Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. Many types 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month before they start working.
These drugs work by boosting the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. They may take a few days to begin taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction, tolerance, and sedation and withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression, 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 can help you understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and which might be best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking), and promote sleep.
They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of fear.
These drugs can be used for short durations of time for instance, when a panic attack occurs or when you experience extreme anxiety. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for long. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations where immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an address in public).
They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to four weeks at each time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a quick time to begin their action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed during the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments can lead to physical dependence. However they still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you currently take or plan 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 several antidepressants to treat other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If they fail doctors can try the older type of antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.
Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be beneficial. They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when combined with psychological therapy.
Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviours that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Others discover that medications alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Iam Psychiatry
While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help ease 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 signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You will still have to take steps to control anxiety, like physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear 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 can 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, however they are equally effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and therefore does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. These medications may be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them for and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.