Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month for them to begin working.
They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to start taking effect, and they also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects make them less well-known. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the high risk of toxicity limit 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. anxiety disorder treatments at home can cause 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, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and the root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both help them cope. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and promote sleep.
They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to amygdala. This is a part of the brain that is able to detect the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.
These medications can be used for short periods of time for instance, when you experience a panic attack or when you experience severe anxiety. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations when immediate relief is needed (such for instance, on an airplane or before a presentation in public).
Since they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that period they cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid onset, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this they still play a significant 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 medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines you are currently taking or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental disorders. 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 a variety of antidepressants for other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be appropriate for all people. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants but are still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.
Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be useful. They are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to handle them. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage your anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may have mild side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, however they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.
Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any potential side effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get them.