Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up to one month for them to start working.
They help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. However, their drowsiness and other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are often used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety, and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.
Therapy is a vital part of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes tense muscle. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and shaking) and promote sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of anxiety.
These medications can be used for short durations, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations where quick relief is needed (like on a plane flight or prior to giving an address in public).
They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at one time. After that, they also cease to be effective.
One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was that they were effective and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors, like barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments lead to physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you're currently considering or taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to determine which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.
Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be appropriate for all people. If Iam Psychiatry aren't working the doctor might suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Other antidepressants that can help include Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both cases it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medications
Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll need to continue doing other things to control your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.
The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and do not increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.
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 cause memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. These are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies however, they're also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.