Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. Many types of medications are available to treat it.

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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

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 treat depression and can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month before they begin working.

These drugs work by boosting the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in Treating anxiety without medication - http://ybsangga.innobox.co.kr/, anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.

Therapy is a vital part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It aids you in better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best treatment for anxiety and depression for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate or trembling), and promote sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that is able to detect the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These medications can be utilized for short durations of time for instance, when panic attacks occur or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and typically take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is required (like on a plane flight or prior to giving a public presentation).

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

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have fewer adverse effects when compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are efficient 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 were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment for panic and anxiety attacks result in physical dependence. Despite this the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

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

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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 conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be appropriate for all people. If they fail doctors might look at the more traditional antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still readily available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses in case you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be helpful. These drugs are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Treatments 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 commonly used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Based on your specific condition, you might receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level 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 show results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can also help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll need to do things how to treat anxiety without meds manage anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

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

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through interfering in the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them for and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.