10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About The Word "Treat Anxiety." Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. They're not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also treat depression and can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up one month for them to start working.

These drugs help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and 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 for anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.


Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake make them unsuitable for use.

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

Therapy is a vital part of any treatment for anxiety. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy both help them cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

alternative treatments for anxiety can be used for short durations of time for instance, when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. In contrast to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an address in public).

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

One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They are safe 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 were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medications you're currently contemplating or are taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

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

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, but still accessible. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. 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 that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective if coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and to overcome your aversion to situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people discover that medications alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. However, they're not a cure all. You'll still need to do other things to manage your anxiety, like exercises as well as relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor could initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs may cause mild side effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by affecting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. These medications are often prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you should take these medications and any negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means you'll need to visit a psychiatrist to get these medications.