Why Treat Anxiety Is So Helpful In COVID-19 Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with various types of medication 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include 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 to one month before they begin working.

These drugs help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. 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, called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound anxiety, depression and even delusions. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).


Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication help them manage their anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and encourage 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 the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medications are typically employed for short periods of time like a panic attack or severe anxiety attack. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and typically work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations in which immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or before an address in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that time they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they were effective and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are effective and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However they 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 and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you are currently taking or plan to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

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 (GAD). The FDA has approved a variety of antidepressants for other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still readily available. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also helpful. They're also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other drugs can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll still need to do things to reduce anxiety, including exercises, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and can cause a calming effect. It's not a controlled drug which means it doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine and 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 symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. Iam Psychiatry will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medicines and any potential negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.