A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Treat Anxiety Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most frequent mental health issues which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. A variety of medications are 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to start working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake make them unsuitable for use.

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

Therapy is a crucial component of a treatment plan for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and the root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and which could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and encourage sleep.

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

These medications are sometimes taken for short durations for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episodes. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations when quick relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or before a presentation in public).

They are addictive, and it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at each time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was that they were effective and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are fast in the time to begin their action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Despite this they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications that you currently use or plan to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

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 antidepressants to treat other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still accessible. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also beneficial. They're also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. 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 level of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage the stressors. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both instances, results take time to appear. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for certain people. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

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

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

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication 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), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks however they can also cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination problems, and dependence. They're less well-known over the more traditional barbiturates however, they're equally efficient.


Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to decrease anxiety by interfering in the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. treatment for generalized anxiety are often prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should be taking them and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.