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

Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues that 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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month to start working.

These drugs help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, but at a lower degree than SSRIs. They may take a few days to start taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can cause dependence, tolerance, and sedation and withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate or trembling), and promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids 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 decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. It is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time for instance, when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Contrary to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and usually perform in just a few hours, which makes them ideal for situations in which you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or before a public presentation).

They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at each time. After that period, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have few side effects compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.


Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Despite this however, benzodiazepines still play a major part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. It is important to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you're considering or taking. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through 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 antidepressants for other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be appropriate for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but they are still accessible. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could aid are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Depending on your health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances it takes time to show results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.

anxiety treatment meds can help you alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause anxiety and stress. However, they're not the only solution. You'll still need to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications may have mild side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and may cause a calming effect. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production 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 evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should be taking them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, which means you'll need to visit a psychiatrist to get these medications.