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Why Everyone Is Talking About Treat Anxiety Right Now
Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also help with depression, and can ease symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up to one month for them to start working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety, and even delusions. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and what might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time, such as when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which quick relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).


They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after that time.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have fewer adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are fast in the time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used 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. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you currently take or plan to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help 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 antidepressants for other health issues, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for all people. If they aren't working, doctors may try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but they are still available. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Other antidepressants that could help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

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 usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with the stressors. This can be done in a single session or in a small group. In both instances, results can take a while to show. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't the only solution. You will still have to take steps to reduce anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety through blocking the production 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 examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should be taking them and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.