Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. A variety of medications are 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also help with depression, and can alleviate the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month to start working.
These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are 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) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Suggested Web page find that both therapy and medication aid them manage their anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate or shaking) and help promote sleep.
The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.
These medications can be used for short durations, such as when panic attacks occur or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can be effective within a couple of hours. This makes them ideal for situations where immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).
Since they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are safe and have fewer negative effects compared to predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos may interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines you are currently taking or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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 for other health issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be suitable for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still readily available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that could help are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic form. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own, but can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.
Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on your situation, you may receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Some people discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medications
Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone 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 signals that trigger stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You will still have to take steps to control anxiety, such as physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. They are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. 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 do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. They're a less popular choice over the more traditional barbiturates but they're just as effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were created to treat allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you should take these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.