The Reasons Treat Anxiety Isn't As Easy As You Imagine

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. A variety of medications are 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 medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month before they begin to work.

These medications work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. 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 are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less well-known. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

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

Therapy is a crucial component of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These medications can be used for short periods of time, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They are fast acting and can be effective within a couple of hours. This makes them perfect for situations when quick relief is required (such as during a flight or prior natural ways to treat anxiety disorder presenting in public).

They are addictive, and people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had a few adverse effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. They are fast in the time to begin their action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 1980s and included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. However, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or meds that treat anxiety herbal medication you currently use or are planning to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and other mental 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 many antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for everyone. If they don't work doctors might try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still accessible. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could help are nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, 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 medications aren't typically used for anxiety alone, but can be helpful when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, you might be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. It can be carried out in a group or on your own. In both cases it takes time to show results. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can also help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause you anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't a cure all. You will still need to do things to control anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It is not a controlled drug and does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your health anxiety treatment history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available through prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.