Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're 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 and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month to start working.
These drugs increase the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They differ from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines may take some time to start taking effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating anxiety in bipolar disorder -
http://namathis.com/verpagina_header.php?pagina=https://maracakenya2.bravejournal.net/15-inspiring-facts-about-best-anxiety-disorder-treatment-that-youd-never-been - some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can trigger dependence to tolerance, sedation, and dependence as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better understand your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and encourage sleep.
They function by binding to 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 effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and by reducing the volume of messages sent to amygdala. This is a part of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of anxiety.
These medicines are often employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations when immediate relief is needed (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).
They are addictive, which is why people are usually prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid onset of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.
Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side-effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you currently use or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are 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 treatment anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants to treat 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 might not be suitable for all people. If they aren't working doctors might try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but are still accessible. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.
Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be beneficial. They're also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychological therapy.
Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behavior that cause anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Depending on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your fear of situations which trigger anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they are manageable. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both instances it takes time to show results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other drugs can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You'll still require a variety of methods to control anxiety, like exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have mild adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but are just as efficient.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However they also serve to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It is not a controlled substance and therefore does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are another kind of medication that can be used to
treat anxiety without medication anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are right for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.
