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 many types of 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month before they begin working.

These medications work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of an anxiety treatment plan because it allows you to understand your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time, such as when panic attacks occur or when you experience severe anxiety. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs do not stay in the body for long. They are fast acting and can work within a couple of hours. This makes them perfect for situations when quick relief is required (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).

They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at each time. After that time they also cease to be effective.

One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However they play a significant 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, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you are currently taking or plan to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 to treat 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 everyone. If they don't work, doctors may try the older type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still readily available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be useful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor can try the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you can cope with the stressors. It can be carried out in a group or individually. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best natural treatment for anxiety and depression choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Tell your doctor how to treat anxiety disorder naturally you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

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

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to reduce your untreated anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may have minor side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. These drugs are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how treat anxiety without medication long you should take them and any possible side effects. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.