Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety.

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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to begin working.

They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. They may take some time to start taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety treatment holistic as it can help you understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate or shaking) and help promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short periods of time for instance, when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, making them suitable for situations in which you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or before a public presentation).

As they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have minimal side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Despite this they play an important role in the homeopathic treatment for Anxiety of anxiety disorders, especially in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently take or plan to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. 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 for other health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be appropriate for all people. If they don't work, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but they are still readily available. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be useful. They're also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that can cause anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to manage the stressors. This can be done in a single session or in a small group. In both instances, results can take a while to show. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still need to do other things to manage your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk of having suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. They're not as popular over the more traditional barbiturates however, they're equally effective.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are right for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so you'll need to visit an astrologer to obtain them.