Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health issues, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are numerous 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 treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up to one month for them to begin working.
These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, although doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However, their drowsiness and other side effects make them less well-known. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines are often used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can cause addiction, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and 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 can help you understand your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.
They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.
These medicines are often employed for short periods of time, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and typically work in a matter of hours, which makes them ideal for situations where quick relief is needed (like during a flight or before giving an event in public).
Because they can be addictive, people are usually only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.
One of the reasons why benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors like barbiturates or meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease 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 trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you are currently taking or plan to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for everyone. If they fail doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still accessible. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that may help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of 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 to change negative thoughts and behaviours that cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Depending on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until can cope with them. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that can cause stress and fear. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll need to do things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.
Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won't increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. They're a less popular choice over the more traditional barbiturates but are just as effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety through interfering in the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often used as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should be taking them and any potential side effects. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.