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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. A variety of medications are 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also treat depression and can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month to begin to work.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

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

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, along with other side effects, make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and dietary restrictions restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are often 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 tolerance, sedation and addiction and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety because it allows you to discover more about the symptoms and the 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 with your doctor about your options and which is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

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

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and creates a sense of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations like when you experience a panic attack or when you experience severe anxiety. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations when rapid relief is required (such as on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.





One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors like barbiturates or meprobamate. They are fast in the start 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 the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you are considering or taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health issues. According to Iam Psychiatry 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 kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, but still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could help are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

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

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your condition, you might be treated with exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and to overcome your aversion to situations that trigger anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they are manageable. This can be done in a single session or in a small group. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Others find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

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

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to control your anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have mild adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety through inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medicines and any potential side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.