Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health problems which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. A variety of medications are 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake 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. It can take up one month for them to begin working.
These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their use.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can trigger addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance, as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines produce a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and trembling) and encourage sleep.
The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain that assesses threats and produces the feeling of fear.
These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations in which you require quick relief (like during a flight or before giving a public presentation).
Because they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.
One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they were effective and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are effective and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the minimization of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Despite this they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you're currently contemplating or are taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medicines are safe to take 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 several antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.
Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be suitable for all people. If they don't work, doctors may consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Other antidepressants that could help are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop how to cope. Based on meds that treat anxiety of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both instances, it takes time to show results. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Other medications can help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to control your anxiety, like exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.
Your doctor may initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have negative effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally effective.
Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety by interfering in the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll need to visit an astrologer to obtain these medications.