Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with numerous 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also treat depression, and they can help relieve symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up one month before they begin working.
These medications work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to take effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.
Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety because it allows you to understand your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming affect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and trembling) and help promote sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.
These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. In contrast to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and typically take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations where immediate relief is required (like on a plane flight or before an event in public).
They are addictive, which is why people are usually prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. After that they also lose their effectiveness.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are effective and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a rapid onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. Despite this the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.
anxiety treatment medicines can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you're contemplating or are taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.
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, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain.
Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If these antidepressants aren't working doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.
Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be useful. They are also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor might suggest a antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, you may receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both cases it takes time to show results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Others find that meds alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.
These medications correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll require a variety of methods to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.
Your doctor could initially prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks however they can also cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're less well-known than the older barbiturates, but they're just as efficient.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They've been shown to ease anxiety by affecting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll need to visit an astrologer to obtain them.