Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health problems that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are numerous 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication what is the best treatment for anxiety and depression selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month before they begin working.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks 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 rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what is best treatment for anxiety's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or shaking) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs they don't stay in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them suitable for situations when immediate relief is needed (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before a presentation in public).

As they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that they become less effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they were effective and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate and What Is Best Treatment For Anxiety barbiturates. They have a rapid time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety treatment center that were developed during the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. However they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety treatment groups disorders, particularly when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines you are currently taking or plan 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 can be 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 several antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for everyone. If they don't work doctors can look at the more traditional antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that may aid are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, What Is Best Treatment For Anxiety and build coping skills. Depending on your health condition, you could be treated with exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best way to treat anxiety option. Others find that meds alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. Tell your doctor how to treat anxiety without medicine you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These medications can help reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they're not a cure all. You'll have to take steps to manage anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause mild 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 the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause the body to relax. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications are often 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 medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them and any possible side effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get them.