Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month before they begin working.
They are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants or 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 function a bit differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can cause tolerance, sedation and addiction, and withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety, and even delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your physician about your options and which is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate and shaking) and help promote sleep.
The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the volume of messages that are sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of fear.
These drugs can be used for short durations of time like when a panic attack occurs or when you experience severe anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them ideal for situations where quick relief is needed (like during a flight or prior to giving a public presentation).
They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at each time. They also lose effectiveness after that time.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have fewer adverse effects when compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a quick onset of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the minimization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. However, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently take or plan to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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 typically prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Other antidepressants that could help include Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician may suggest the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychological therapy.
Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your health condition, you could receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle them. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both cases, it takes time to show results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for some people. Others discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.
Other Medications
While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage your anxiety, including physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.
Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. meds that treat anxiety I Am Psychiatry are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have mild side effects, such as nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled drug and therefore does not carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications may be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them for and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, and you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.