The Best Treat Anxiety Gurus Are Doing Three Things Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety.

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 popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also treat depression and can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month for them to begin to work.

These drugs help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These drugs can lead to dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms such a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and which might be best for you.


Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart racing and trembling) and encourage sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to amygdala. This is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of fear.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety attack. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for very long. They are fast acting and can be used within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations where immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

Because they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a go. They also lose effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. Iam Psychiatry are efficient 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 negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you are contemplating or are taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline and clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that could aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when paired with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviours that can cause anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn strategies for coping. Based on your specific situation, you may undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle them. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatments for anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause you stress and fear. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You'll still have to do other things to manage your anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, however these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as efficient.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to decrease anxiety by interfering in the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They can 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 whether these medications are suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any possible side effects. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.