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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 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 as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month to begin working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs as they reduce 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 (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other side effects make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. However, https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment and the high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy, and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both help them cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and encourage sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the volume of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of fear.

These medications are typically used for short periods for instance, during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and can be used within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations when quick relief is required (such for instance, during a flight or prior to presenting in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at each time. After that, they also cease to be effective.

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

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a crucial part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're currently considering or taking. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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 many antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still available. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can help include Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Depending on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with the stressors. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, the results take time to appear. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

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Other Medicines

Other medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help 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 things to manage anxiety, such as physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could initially prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. These are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by affecting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. These medications can be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications and any adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.