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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most common mental health issues that affects 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 common anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also be used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month before they begin working.

They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also employ 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 since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. They may take a few days to start taking effect, and they also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can cause tolerance addiction, sedation as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. anxiety treatments medication are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and encourage 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 increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations like when panic attacks occur or if you’re experiencing 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 can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them ideal for situations where immediate relief is needed (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before a presentation in public).

Because they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them up to four weeks at a go. After that time, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had a few adverse effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However they play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications, causing 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 medicines you are considering or taking. You can determine which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and other mental disorders. 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 bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be suitable for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They’re less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine are also useful. They’re also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor can try the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications aren’t typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Based on your specific health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and to overcome your aversion to situations which trigger anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be carried out in a group or individually. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you’re doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can also help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain’s chemical balance and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can cause stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You will still need to do things to reduce anxiety, like physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have minor adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren’t addictive and they don’t increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

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

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies, but they’re also sometimes used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It’s not a controlled drug, so it doesn’t have the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease anxiety by affecting the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They’ll also talk about how long you should take them for and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.