Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also treat depression, and they can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can 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. 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 reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.
treatment for anxiety attacks are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These drugs can lead to addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety because it allows you to understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them manage their anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and determine what could be the best choice for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and promote sleep.
The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of fear.
These medications are typically used for short periods like a panic attack or severe anxiety attack. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for very long. They are fast acting and can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them suitable for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such as during a flight or before giving a presentation in public).
As they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.
One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was that they were effective and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors like barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a rapid onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the trivialization 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 conjunction with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently use or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.
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 antidepressants to treat other health issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.
SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for everyone. If they aren't working doctors can try the older type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be useful. They are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, results can take a while to show. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Other drugs can also help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You'll still have to do other things to control anxiety, such as exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.
Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, but they're just as effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It's not a controlled drug which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by affecting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you should take these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, which means you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get them.