Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. A variety of medications are available to treat anxiety.
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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month for them to begin working.
These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects, make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and dietary restrictions make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an essential part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It aids you in better be aware of your symptoms and causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and which might be best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.
The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the feeling of fear.
These medications can be used for short durations of time for instance, when a panic attack occurs or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations in which quick relief is needed (like during a flight or before an event in public).
They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they were effective and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However they still play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos may interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently take or plan to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. 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 to treat other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.
Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be effective for all people. If they fail doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, but still readily available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that can aid are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and teach you coping skills. Based on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be done in a group or individually. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
natural remedies to treat anxiety can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.
Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are right for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.