meds that treat anxiety (link web page)

anxiety treatment groups affects 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month for them to begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to begin taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. However, their drowsiness and other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best treatment for anxiety uk option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and shaking) and encourage sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. a region of the brain that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time for instance, when panic attacks occur or when you experience severe anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations where rapid relief is required (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before a presentation in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have few side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a rapid onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. 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 find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 for other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still available. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also useful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety without medication anxiety on their own however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your situation, you may undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to manage them. It can be done in a group or individually. In both cases, it takes time to show results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. Others discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to control anxiety, such as exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first first" 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) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications might have mild side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. They're a less popular choice over the more traditional barbiturates but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety by interfering in the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.