Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are various types of medication 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 aren't addictive, unlike 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 such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month before they begin working.
They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other side effects are what make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart racing and trembling) and promote sleep.
The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and creates a sense of anxiety.
These medicines are often taken for short durations for instance, during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety attack. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, which makes them ideal for situations in which you require quick relief (like during a flight or prior to giving an event in public).
As they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a time. After that they become less effective.
One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a quick time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments can lead to physical dependence. Despite this the fact that benzodiazepines play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you are considering or taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be 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 many antidepressants to treat other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.
Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be suitable for all people. If they aren't working, doctors may try the older type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be useful. They are also available in generic forms. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when paired with psychological therapy.
Psychotherapy can help you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, you may undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. This can be done individually or in a small group. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You'll require a variety of methods to manage anxiety, like physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However I Am Psychiatry serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering with the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are right for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them for and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means you'll need to see an astrologer to obtain these medications.