Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely treatable with various types of medication 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to begin working.
They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to start taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can trigger dependence, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming affect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and promote sleep.
They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.
These medications can be utilized for short durations for instance, when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for long. They are fast acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations when quick relief is required (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).
They are addictive, and people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they worked and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They are safe and have a rapid onset and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Yet however, benzodiazepines still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.
Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently take or are planning to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. 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, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be suitable for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working the doctor might suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline and Clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but are still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that could help are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician might suggest a antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Depending on your condition, you might be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle the stressors. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll still need to do things to manage anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
Your doctor may initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were created to treat allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by interfering in the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. social anxiety disorder treatment will discuss the length of time you should take these medicines and any potential side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.