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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

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

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. They can take a while to take effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can cause addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them manage their anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and what might be best for you.





Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.

The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time for instance, when panic attacks occur or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. In contrast to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for long. They are fast-acting and often work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations when immediate relief is required (like during a flight or before an event in public).

Since they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a time. After that time, they also become less effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a rapid start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently take or are planning to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medications are safe when taken 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 antidepressants to treat other health conditions, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be suitable for everyone. If they aren't working doctors can try the older type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still accessible. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

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

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

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you coping skills. Depending on your health condition, you could receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. This can be done in a single session or in smaller groups. In both instances it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for certain people. Some people find that meds alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't a cure all. You will still need to do things to reduce anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These drugs may cause minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, but they're just as efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally developed to relieve allergies. However, they are also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. IamPsychiatry might be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.