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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health problems which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with many types of 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also treat depression, and they can alleviate the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up one month before they begin working.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. They may take a few days to begin taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be utilized for short durations like when panic attacks occur or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations when immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that period they also become less effective.

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 like barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick onset of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you currently take or plan to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health 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 many antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for everyone. If they don't work doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still readily available. Your doctor can also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also helpful. These drugs are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until they are manageable. It can be carried out in a group or on your own. In both cases it takes time to show results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best choice for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.





These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that can cause stress and fear. However, they're not a cure all. You will still have to take steps to manage anxiety, like exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects like 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 ideas.

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

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can help with anxiety. They have been found to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them for and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.