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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly 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're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also help with depression, and can alleviate the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up to one month before they begin working.

These medications are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds 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 because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to begin taking effect, and they also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and shaking) and promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These medications are sometimes taken for short durations for instance, during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and typically perform in just a few hours, which makes them ideal for situations where you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or before giving an event in public).

They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. After that they lose their effectiveness.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However they still play a significant 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, causing undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you're currently taking or thinking about taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for all people. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still readily available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Other antidepressants that could aid are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician can try the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety on their own, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-provoking situations until you can cope with them. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances it takes time to achieve results. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can also help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. But, they're not the only solution. You'll still need to do other things to control your anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause mild side effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. These medications are often used as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should be taking them and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.