20 Treat Anxiety Websites That Are Taking The Internet By Storm Meds That Treat Anxiety


Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health issues, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month for them to start working.

They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor 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 level than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to begin taking effect, and they also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other side effects are what make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines can be used treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment plan for anxiety. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and encourage sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They boost 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. This is a region of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short durations like when a panic attack occurs or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs don't stay in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations where quick relief is required (such as on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

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

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have fewer adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. how anxiety is treated can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies can lead to physical dependence. Despite this, benzodiazepines continue to play a crucial 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 medications and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you are currently taking or are planning to take. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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 as well, including eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be appropriate for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working, the doctor may try an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, but still readily available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These medications are also available in generic form. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop strategies for coping. Depending on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with them. It can be done in a group or individually. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still need to do other things to manage anxiety, such as physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

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 in treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're less well-known over the more traditional barbiturates but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get these medications.