Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health problems that affects 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 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) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also help with depression, and can ease symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month to begin working.
They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently from SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to begin taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse reactions are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and the restriction on dietary intake make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines can be used combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy, and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delusions. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It aids you in better know your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and encourage sleep.
They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.
These medicines are often used for short periods for instance, during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episodes. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can be effective within a couple of hours. This makes them perfect for situations where immediate relief is needed (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).
They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. After that period, they also lose their effectiveness.
One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They have a quick start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.
Benzos may interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines you are currently taking or are planning to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.
Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be appropriate for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but are still available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses in case you are having sleep problems or anxiety.
Other antidepressants that can help include Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications 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.
Other medications for 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 by themselves, but can be helpful when paired with psychological therapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behavior patterns that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to challenge unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage them. It can be performed in a group or on your own. In both instances it takes time to show results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medications
Other drugs can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to reduce your anxiety, like exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft), Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications might have mild adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, 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. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but they're just as effective.
Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications and any negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.