Treat Anxiety 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely 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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month for them to start working.

They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants and 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 differ from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication help them to cope. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor about your options and what could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes tense muscle. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and trembling) and promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time like when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, which makes them ideal for situations when quick relief is needed (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an event in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at one time. After treatment for depression and anxiety cease to be effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they worked and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a rapid time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

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

Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you're currently taking or thinking about taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health 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 to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, but still accessible. Your doctor can also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Other antidepressants that can aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic form. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. However, others find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you alleviate your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still have to do other things to manage your anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often 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 typically found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug and doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often prescribed as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.