Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month before they start working.
These drugs work by boosting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medicines may take some time to start taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines can be used 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 and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is an important part of an anxiety treatment plan, as it helps you discover more about the symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy both help them cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and help promote sleep.
The way they work 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 the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and creates a sense of fear.
These drugs can be used for short durations, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations when quick relief is required (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before giving a presentation in public).
They are addictive, and it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at each time. After that time they become less effective.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are safe and have few side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos may interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you currently take or plan to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If they don't work doctors might try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still readily available. anxiety treatment therapy may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.
Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be beneficial. They are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety alone however they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on your condition, you might undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and to overcome your aversion to situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be performed in a group or on your own. In both instances, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These medications correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. However, they're not the only solution. You'll need to continue doing other things to control anxiety, such as exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.
Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have minor adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are an additional type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety by interfering in the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. These medications may be used as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any possible side effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.