Why Treat Anxiety Is Your Next Big Obsession?

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health conditions, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. Many types 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, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to start working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however 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 are effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects make them less well-known. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their use.

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

Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help them manage their anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's Best treatment for social anxiety for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or trembling), and promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and creates a sense of anxiety symptoms and treatment.

These medicines are often used for short periods for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body long. They are fast acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations where quick relief is required (such as during a flight or prior to presenting in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at a time. After that period they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments can lead to physical dependence. However they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically 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. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently use or are planning to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health conditions. 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 health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be effective for all people. If they fail doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still readily available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be helpful. They are also available in generic forms. If they don't help, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety alone however they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior that cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to handle the stressors. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for some people. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can also help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You'll still have to take steps to manage anxiety, including physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, however these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination problems, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but they're just as efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.