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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions that 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also treat depression, and they can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to begin working.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors may also prescribe other kinds 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, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to start taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, and other side effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy as well as withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and 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 increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, an area of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short durations of time, such as when a panic attack occurs or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs do not stay in the body long. They are fast acting and can be effective in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations when quick relief is required (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before a presentation in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. After that time they become less effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are efficient and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this however, benzodiazepines still play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you're currently contemplating or are taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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 several antidepressants to treat other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be effective for everyone. If they fail, doctors may consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still accessible. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also useful. These medications are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, you might undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle them. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for certain people. However, others discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common Homeopathic Treatment For Anxiety for anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You'll have to take steps to reduce anxiety, like exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and don't increase your risk of having suicidal ideas.

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

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve postpartum anxiety treatment by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications are often prescribed as a part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medicines and any potential side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist to get them.