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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health issues that affects 40 million adults 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression, and they can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month before they begin working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

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

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment for anxiety. It assists you to better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking) and encourage sleep.





The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These medications are sometimes used for short periods for instance, during panic attacks or an anxiety attack. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and typically work in a matter of hours, making them ideal for situations when you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or prior to giving an address in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They are fast in the onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is important to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you are taking or thinking about taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 types of pain.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be appropriate for everyone. If anxiety attack treatment do not work the doctor might suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants but are still available. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be useful. They are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician 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 blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, you might undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to handle the stressors. It can be done either individually or in a small group. In both instances, results can take a while to show. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. However, others discover that medications 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 commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that can cause stress and fear. They're not a panacea. You'll need to do things to manage anxiety, such as exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they can also be used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by affecting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are right for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, so a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.