anxiety treatments medication That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are various types of medication 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most commonly used anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month before they begin to work.
These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to begin taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and dietary restrictions restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are often used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These drugs can lead to addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence, as well as withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and promote sleep.
The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.
These medications can be used for short durations of time like when panic attacks occur or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, making them suitable for situations when immediate relief is required (like during a flight or before a public presentation).
As they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.
Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a crucial part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.
Benzos may interact with other medications and cause 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 are planning to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.
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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.
SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work the doctor might suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.
Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Depending on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a panacea. You'll still have to take steps to control anxiety, including exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally developed to relieve allergies. However they also serve to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to decrease anxiety by interfering in the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them for and any possible negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.