Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health problems 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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also treat depression and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up one month for them to begin working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to begin taking effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating some anxiety attack natural treatment disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions are what make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety, and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment for anxiety near me plan. It helps you to better understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what's Best Treatment For Anxiety Depression for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and promote sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA, at receptors 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 sent to the amygdala. a region of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications are typically used for short periods, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episodes. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can be effective in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations in which rapid relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. 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 were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non drug treatment for anxiety-prescription or herbal medication you are considering or taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 many antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also useful. These drugs are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor can try the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

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

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they are manageable. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases, results take time to appear. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best drug to treat anxiety and depression option for some individuals. Others find that meds alone are enough to manage their symptoms. Tell your doctor how to treat anxiety attacks you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone 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. They're not a cure-all. You will still have to take steps to control anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs may cause minor adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause a calming effect. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce 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 evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.