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, as are benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also treat depression, and they can help relieve symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month before they begin working.
These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These drugs are usually the first option 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 to treat anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. They may take some time to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. www.iampsychiatry.com and restrictions on diets limit their use.
Benzodiazepines can be used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety, and even delusions. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or trembling) and help promote sleep.
They work 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 the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain which assesses threats and produces a feeling of fear.
These medications are sometimes used for short periods, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body long. They are fast acting and can be effective within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such for instance, on an airplane or before a presentation in public).
They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. After that period they also cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.
Benzos may interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're considering or taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still available. Your doctor can also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Other antidepressants that may help include Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychological therapy.
Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be done either individually or in small groups. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to reduce anxiety.
These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. But, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still need to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor can prescribe. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally efficient.
Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications may be prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available through prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.