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Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. Many types 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 treatment for anxiety and depression near me cbt (check out the post right here) by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. They’re not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also help with depression, and can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to start working.
These drugs are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as 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 work a little differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take some time to begin taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and the restriction on dietary intake restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines can be used treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.
Therapy is an essential part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart rate or trembling), and promote sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain’s region that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.
These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time like a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. In contrast to SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can be effective treatment for anxiety in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations when immediate relief is needed (such for instance, during a flight or prior to presenting in public).
They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at each time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.
One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It’s important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medication 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 drug interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help 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, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.
Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They’re less common than newer antidepressants but are still available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep.
Other antidepressants that may help are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They’re also available in generic forms. If they don’t work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren’t typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Based on your specific health condition, you could be treated with exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle them. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both cases it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you’re doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain’s chemical balance and can help ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. But, they’re not a cure all. You’ll have to take steps to control anxiety, like exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the “first choice” anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren’t addictive and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium), provide 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. These are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies, but they’re also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug, so it doesn’t have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can help with anxiety. They have been shown to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. These medications may be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are right for you. They’ll also discuss how long you should be taking them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, so you’ll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.