The Reason Why Everyone Is Talking About Treat Anxiety Right Now

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues, affecting 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month before they start working.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake limit their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger dependence tolerance, sedation, and tolerance and withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and encourage sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the volume of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain which assesses the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.

These medications are typically taken for short durations, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety attack. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They are fast acting and can be effective in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations where immediate relief is needed (such as during an airplane ride or before a presentation in public).

Because they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that, they also become less effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can 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 medication you're currently considering or taking. You can determine which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 sex anxiety treatment 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 kinds of pain.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be effective for all people. If they fail doctors can consider a different type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but they are still available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that can help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute pills to treat anxiety your anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Tell your doctor how to treat anxiety attacks you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Other medications can also help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll still have to do other things to control your anxiety, including exercises as well as relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medicines for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These drugs may cause minor adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However, they are also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug and does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are right for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.