Meds That Treat Anxiety Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive. SSRIs The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also help with depression, and can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month before they begin working. These medications are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants, such as 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 level than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects make them less well-known. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use. Benzodiazepines are used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction, and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan). Therapy is an essential part of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well 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 tense. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and help promote sleep. The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear. These medications are sometimes used for short periods like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and typically perform in just a few hours, which makes them ideal for situations where immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or before giving a public presentation). They can be addictive, so people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at one time. After that period, they also cease to be effective. One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are efficient and have fewer negative effects compared to predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you currently use or are planning to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions. Antidepressants Antidepressants can be 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 many antidepressants for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder. Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be effective for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, yet they're still accessible. Your doctor can prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety. Other antidepressants that may help include Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine. Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy. Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Based on the severity of your situation, you may receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with them. This can be done in a single session or in smaller groups. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms. Other Medications Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety. These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause stress and fear. However, they're not a cure all. You'll need to do things to control anxiety, like exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy. Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders . SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may have mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not 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 anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as efficient. Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines. Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you should take these medicines and any potential side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.
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