Why Everyone Is Talking About Treat Anxiety Right Now

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression, and they can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month before they start working.

These drugs help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These medications are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to begin taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.

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

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help them manage their anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling), and promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in 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 sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of fear.

These medications are typically employed for short periods of time like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety attack. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations where quick relief is needed (like during a flight or prior to giving an event in public).

They are addictive, and people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. After that period, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. 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 were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. However they play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you're currently contemplating or are taking.  evidence-based anxiety treatment  can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be appropriate for all people. If they fail, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but they are still available. Your doctor can also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be helpful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce 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 beneficial when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Based on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be done in a group or individually. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Others discover that medications alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll still need to do things to manage anxiety, including physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and does not carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety through inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications may be used as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medicines and any potential side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, so a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.