Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with 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're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month before they begin working.
They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. They may take a few days to take effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are often used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and the causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and which might be best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate or trembling) and help promote sleep.
They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that is able to detect threats and creates a sense of anxiety.
These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations where quick relief is required (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).
They are addictive, and it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to four weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after a certain period of time.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are effective and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. pills to treat anxiety www.iampsychiatry.com to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you're considering or taking. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can reduce anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 for other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be effective for everyone. If they fail doctors can consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants but are still readily available. Your doctor may also prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.
Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also helpful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.
Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage them. This can be done in a single session or in a small group. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. However, others discover that medications alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medications
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.
These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you stress and fear. But, they're not a cure all. You'll still have to do other things to reduce your anxiety, like exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but they're just as efficient.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been found to decrease anxiety by interfering in the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often 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 appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, which means you'll need to visit a psychiatrist to get them.