Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications available to treat it.

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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

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

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These medications are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe 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 function a bit differently from SSRIs in that 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, can be effective for treating anxiety in bipolar disorder anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to combat natural anti anxiety treatment. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound anxiety, depression and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety because it allows you to understand your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as anxiety treatment without meds medications. Talk with your physician about your options and determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, treatments for anxiety example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the feeling of fear.

These medications can be used for short periods of time like when a panic attack occurs or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and can be effective within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which quick relief is required (such as on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

As they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a time. After that time they become less effective.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion or drowsiness. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you are currently taking or plan to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through 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 Treatment Edinburgh disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved a variety of antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for everyone. If they fail doctors might look at the more traditional antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still readily available. Your doctor may also prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that could help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician can try the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective when coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your condition, 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 cause your separation anxiety disorder treatments. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you can cope with them. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both cases, it takes time to show results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. Others discover that medications alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These medications can help ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll still have to take steps to manage anxiety, like exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor may initially prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can 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 efficient.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are developed to relieve allergies however, they're also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug and doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to ease anxiety by affecting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll need to visit an astrologer to obtain these medications.