Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly treatable, with numerous medications available.
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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.
SSRIs
The most commonly used anxiety medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also treat depression, and they can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to begin working.
These drugs work by boosting the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to take effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders . Their drowsiness, along with other side effects, make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their use.
Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to begin working. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy as well as withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you discover more about the symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy works just as well as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and determine what might be best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking) and encourage sleep.
They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that is able to detect threats and creates a sense of fear.
These medications can be utilized for short durations like when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually work in a matter of hours, making them suitable for situations when you require quick relief (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving a public presentation).
They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at each time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.
One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a quick start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged during the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment lead to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently take or are planning to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help 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 a variety of antidepressants for other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.
SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working, the doctor may try an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still available. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be useful. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your situation, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be performed in a group or on your own. In both cases it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best choice for some individuals. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can cause stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.
Your doctor may initially prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications might have mild side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however 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) are a quick relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're a less popular choice than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as efficient.
Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and does not carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them for and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.