Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health conditions that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely treatable with various types of medication available.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and Effexor, work to alleviate anxiety by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month for them to start working.
These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines may take some time to take effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety, and even delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a crucial component of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you understand your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or trembling) and encourage sleep.
The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.
These medications can be utilized for short durations of time, such as when panic attacks occur or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations where quick relief is required (such as during a flight or prior to presenting in public).
They can be addictive, so people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at one time. After that, they also cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a quick time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the minimization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
anxiety support can interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you are currently taking or plan to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health problems. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, antidepressants -- like SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) -- can help reduce chronic anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants to treat other health conditions, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be suitable for all people. If these antidepressants don't work the doctor might suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.
Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be helpful. These medications are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, you might be treated with exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they are manageable. It can be carried out in a group or individually. In both instances it takes time to achieve results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These medications correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.
Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but are just as efficient.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that may help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, which means you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.