Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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 by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.
visit this weblink is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs 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 for them to begin to work.
These medications work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They operate a bit differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications can take a while to take effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is a vital part of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help them cope with anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and help promote sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.
These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body long. They are fast acting and can be effective within a couple of hours. This makes them suitable for situations when quick relief is required (such as during a flight or prior to presenting in public).
Since they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are efficient and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are fast in the start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. Despite this they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you are taking or thinking about taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.
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 several antidepressants to treat other conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be effective for all people. If they fail doctors might look at the more traditional antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still accessible. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Other antidepressants that can help are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychological therapy.
Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you coping skills. Based on your specific situation, you may receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done in a single session or in smaller groups. In both instances, it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other medications can also help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll need to do things to reduce anxiety, like physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have minor side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, however they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. They're not as popular over the more traditional barbiturates but they're just as effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that may help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to ease anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.