Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is among the most frequent 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.
SSRIs
The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month for them to start working.
They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to start taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.
Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety, and even delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is a crucial component of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and help promote sleep.
The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, a region of the brain which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.
These medicines are often employed for short periods of time like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episodes. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They are fast acting and can work within a couple of hours. This makes them perfect for situations when immediate relief is needed (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 period they cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they worked and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors, like barbiturates or meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines you currently take or plan to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health conditions. 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 many antidepressants for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.
SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for all people. If they don't work, doctors may try the older type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still accessible. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.
Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be useful. They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and to overcome your aversion to situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to handle them. It can be done in a group or individually. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
Other drugs can also help relieve your symptoms. meds to treat anxiety and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can cause stress and fear. But, they're not a cure all. You'll still have to do other things to control your anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another kind of medication that can help with anxiety. They have been proven to decrease anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications may be prescribed as part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.