Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly treatable, with numerous 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to begin working.
These drugs work by boosting the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and what could be the best choice for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking), and promote sleep.
The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. how anxiety is treated Iam Psychiatry is a region of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of fear.
These medications can be used for short periods of time for instance, when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. In contrast to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which quick relief is required (such as on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public).
They are addictive, and people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.
One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a rapid start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Yet however, benzodiazepines still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you are currently taking or are planning to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.
SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that may help include nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they aren't working, your physician can try the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.
Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Depending on your health condition, you could undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both instances, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best choice for some people. However, others find that meds alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These medications can help ease your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. But, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll need to continue doing other things to control your anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These drugs may cause mild adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause negative effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. These are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.
Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by affecting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should be taking them and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.