Why Everyone Is Talking About Treat Anxiety Right Now

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health conditions, affecting 40 million adults 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also treat depression and can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up to one month for them to start working.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to take effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects are what is the best treatment for anxiety and depression make them less well-liked. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety attack symptoms female treatment. Their high functioning anxiety treatment toxicity risk and restrictions on diets restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These drugs can lead to addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid them manage their anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and determine what might be best treatment for generalised anxiety disorder for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate or trembling) and help promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects 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 part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety disorder treatment without medication.

These medications can be used for short durations for instance, when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations when immediate relief is required (like during a flight or prior to giving an event in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at each time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are fast in the onset of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s which included the reduction of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications, causing undesirable 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. You can find out which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

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 many antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be effective for all people. If they aren't working doctors can try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants are less common but they are still available. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can help include nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic forms. If they don't work your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety on their own, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on your specific situation, you may receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-provoking situations until you can cope with the stressors. It can be carried out in a group or individually. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce your anxiety, like physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as effective.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they also serve to alleviate 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 risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications can be prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you should take these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.