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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly treatable, with many types of medications available.

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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) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to begin working.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to take effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase 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 are frequently used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can trigger dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms like a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you understand your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as medication for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like 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 assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations, such as when a panic attack occurs or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. In contrast to SSRIs they don't 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 where immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an address in public).

They are addictive, and people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at each time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they worked and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are safe and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you are currently taking or are planning to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental disorders. 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 for other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, some types of pain and bipolar disorder.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be appropriate for everyone. If they fail, doctors may try the older type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still accessible. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which 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 helpful when paired with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both instances, it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Inform https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These medications can help reduce your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to control your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.

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 for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have negative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. These are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and may cause a calming effect. It is not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that may help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.