Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with many types of 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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression and can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month to start working.

These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit 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 also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms such as a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and which might be best treatment for generalised anxiety disorder for you.

Benzodiazepines

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

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medications are typically taken for short durations, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They are fast-acting and often perform in just a few hours, making them suitable for situations where immediate relief is required (like on a plane flight or before an address in public).

Since they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had few side effects when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you are currently taking 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 reduce anxiety and other mental health issues. According to the Anxiety and anxiety treatment 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work the doctor might suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still available. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also beneficial. They're also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior that cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on your condition, you might receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until they are manageable. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases, it takes time to achieve results. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best medication to treat anxiety and depression option. Others find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to manage your anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs for treating severe anxiety treatment disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause negative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but are just as effective.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However they also serve to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug and does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications can be prescribed 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 appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them for and any potential side effects. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get them.