10-Things-Everybody-Gets-Wrong-About-The-Word-Treat-Anxiety-y

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

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

These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. They may take some time to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan because it allows you to understand your symptoms and the root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.

IamPsychiatry function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the volume of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of anxiety.

These medications can be used for short durations of time like when panic attacks occur or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can work within a couple of hours. This makes them suitable for situations where quick relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

They can be addictive, so people are usually prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick onset of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you are currently taking or plan to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medications are safe when taken 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, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.





SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work, the doctor may try an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still accessible. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that may help are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns that cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn coping skills. Depending on your health condition, you could undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with them. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both instances it takes time to show results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for certain people. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to control their symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to control your anxiety, like exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor might prescribe. They are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are right for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you should take these medications and any negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, which means you'll have to see an astrologer to obtain them.