A-Guide-To-Treat-Anxiety-From-Start-To-Finish-s

Meds That Treat Anxiety

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

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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

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

These medications are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Another kind 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, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart racing and shaking) and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to 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 amygdala. This is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of anxiety.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time, such as when you experience a panic attack or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. 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 quick relief is needed (like on a plane flight or before giving a public presentation).

Since they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.

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

IamPsychiatry were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment lead to physical dependence. However the fact that benzodiazepines play a significant role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

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

Antidepressants





Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and other mental disorders. 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 a variety of antidepressants for other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still readily available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be useful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and 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 drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, you might undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and to overcome your aversion to situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until can cope with them. It can be carried out in a group or individually. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. However, others find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These medications can help reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they'ren't a cure all. You'll require a variety of methods to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and 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. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

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

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug which means it doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you should take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.