meds that Treat anxiety (Pediascape.science)

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. A variety 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month to begin working.

These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety headache treatment. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them manage their anxiety. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and what might be best treatment for anxiety depression for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and help promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, like 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 number of messages sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time like when panic attacks occur or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them ideal for situations when quick relief is needed (like during an airplane flight or before an address in public).

Because they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid onset of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial 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 drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you're considering or taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. According to the social anxiety disorder treatment 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 conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be appropriate for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still accessible. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic form. If they don't help, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety alone however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior that cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, you may be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to overcome unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you can cope with the stressors. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can also help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You will still need to do things to control anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. These are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs may cause minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and don't increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety through interfering in the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.