Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely treatable with many types of medications 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month before they begin working.

These drugs work by boosting the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, although doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. They may take a few days to start taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety, and even delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of an anxiety treatment plan because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them manage their anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and what might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate and shaking) and encourage sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase 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 which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time for instance, when a panic attack occurs or when you experience severe anxiety panic attack treatment. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. In contrast to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for very long. They're quick-acting and typically take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations when quick relief is needed (like on a plane flight or before giving an address in public).

They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at each time. After that they cease to be effective.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are fast in the start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you are currently taking or plan to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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 many antidepressants for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also helpful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviours that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop how to cope. Based on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be performed in a group or on your own. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that can cause stress and fear. But, they're not the only solution. You'll still need to do other things to manage your anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may have minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and do not increase your risk of having suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause adverse effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates but are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by affecting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications can be prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should be taking them and any potential side effects. Anxiety medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see an astrologer to obtain these medications.