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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. 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive. SSRIs The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month to begin working. These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines. Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity restrict their use. Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam. Therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and encourage sleep. The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear. These medicines are often taken for short durations, such as during a panic attack or severe anxiety attack. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations when quick relief is needed (like during a flight or prior to giving an event in public). They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to four weeks at one time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time. One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are safe and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants. Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still 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 can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you're contemplating or are taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines. Antidepressants Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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. SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline and clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, yet they're still available. Your doctor can prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia. Other antidepressants that could help are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they don't help, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine. Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety alone however they can be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, you might undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-provoking situations until you can cope with the stressors. It can be performed in a group or on your own. In both cases, it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for certain people. Some people discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms. Other Medications While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety. These medications can help reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to control anxiety, such as physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.
Your doctor could initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective for https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment . SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts. The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're not as popular over the more traditional barbiturates but are just as effective. Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines. Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They have been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need to take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist to get these medications. |
