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 popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month for them to begin to work.
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms like a depression, anxiety, and delirium. 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 their causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and determine what is the best medication to treat anxiety option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart racing and trembling) and help promote sleep.
The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA’s effects 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 drugs can be used for short durations, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you’re experiencing extreme anxiety treatment london. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren’t able to remain in the body for long. They’re fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, which makes them ideal for situations when quick relief is needed (like during an airplane flight or before giving a public presentation).
As they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that time, they also cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used 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 denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently use or are planning to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.
Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be suitable for all people. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are less common but are still readily available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you’re having sleep problems or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that may help are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic form. If they aren’t working, your physician may suggest the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop strategies for coping. Depending on the severity of your condition, 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 which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able how to treat anxiety naturally manage the stressors. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you’re doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain’s chemical balance and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they’ren’t a cure all. You’ll still have to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.
Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the “first choice” anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they’re not addictive and don’t increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks however they can also cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and doesn’t have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are right for you. They’ll also discuss how to treat anxiety without medicine long you should take them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, which means that a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.