Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are 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 medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month for them to start working.
They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, and other side effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.
Benzodiazepines are used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause dependence, tolerance, and sedation and withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is an important part of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or shaking) and help promote sleep.
They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that is able to detect the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.
These drugs can be used for short periods of time like when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can be effective within a couple of hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which rapid relief is required (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).
They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. After that time, they also become less effective.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have minimal side effects compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction 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's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you're currently considering or taking. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are 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 many antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work, the doctor may try an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still accessible. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that may aid are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They 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.
Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Depending on your health condition, you could receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your fear of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Others discover that medications alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll still need to do other things to control anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.
Your doctor could initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have mild side effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. anxiety disorder treatments at home will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They will discuss the length of time you should take these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll have to see an astrologer to obtain them.