10 Methods To Build Your Treat Anxiety Empire Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. Many types of medications are available to treat it.

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

These medications work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels 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) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects, make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.

Benzodiazepines are used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help them manage their anxiety. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or trembling) and help promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.

These medications are typically used for short periods for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body long. They're fast-acting and can be effective within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations where immediate relief is needed (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before giving a presentation in public).

They can be addictive, so people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at a time. After that time, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are safe and have a rapid start, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication you are considering or taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. According to anxiety attack treatment 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 many antidepressants for other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working the doctor might suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Other antidepressants that can help are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to challenge unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.


Other Medications

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

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. But, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still require a variety of methods to manage anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and don't increase your risk for suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates but are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them for and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.