8 Tips To Up Your Treat Anxiety Game Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health problems that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely 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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month for them to begin working.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants, also known 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 differ from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to begin taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However their drowsiness and other side effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can lead to addiction, tolerance, and sedation and withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a vital part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They boost 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 is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of fear.

These medications can be used for short periods of time for instance, when panic attacks occur or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for very long. They are fast acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations when quick relief is required (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before a presentation in public).

Because they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed up to four weeks at a go. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

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

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a major part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications and cause unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you are currently taking 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 for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help 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 antidepressants to treat other health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be helpful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor might suggest a antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. best natural treatment for anxiety aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Based on the severity of your health condition, you could receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. However, others find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can also help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.


These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't a cure all. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage your anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have mild adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medication is only available through prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.