Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health conditions, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly treatable, with 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 commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month before they begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 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 and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some Anticipatory anxiety Treatment disorders, notably GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms like a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of a treatment plan for sex anxiety treatment because it allows you to understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and which might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling), and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the feeling of fear.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Unlike SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations in which quick relief is needed (like during a flight or before giving an event in public).

They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after that time.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They are fast in the start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Yet however, benzodiazepines still play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you currently take or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental 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 treatment 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 usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If these antidepressants aren't working doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still readily available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses in case you are having sleep problems or anxiety depression treatment.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be useful. They're also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to handle them. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for certain people. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These medications can help ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. But, they're not a cure all. You'll still have to do other things to manage your anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor might prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger 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) were initially created to treat allergies. However they can also be used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with travel anxiety treatment is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are right for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist to get them.