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. 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 treatment uk by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression and can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd and anxiety treatment). They can take up to a month to begin working.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as 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, called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to start taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can lead to dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or trembling) and help promote sleep.

The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations when immediate relief is needed (such for instance, on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

They are addictive, and it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. After that time they also become less effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are efficient and have few side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a quick time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the minimization of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you currently take or plan to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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 antidepressants for other health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line ketamine treatment for anxiety for anxiety, however these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If they aren't working doctors can look at the more traditional antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still readily available. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be helpful. They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. But, they're not the only solution. You'll still require a variety of methods to reduce anxiety, such as exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications might have mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug and doesn't have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by affecting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. 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 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 medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.