8 Tips To Enhance Your Treat Anxiety Game
Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with many types of 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month to begin working.
These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for anxiety because it allows you to learn more about your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medication for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to find out what's right for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and promote sleep.
The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and decreasing the amount of messages sent to amygdala. This is a part of the brain that is able to detect threats and creates a sense of anxiety.
These drugs can be used for short periods of time for instance, when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They're fast-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such for instance, on an airplane or before a presentation in public).
They can be addictive, so it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time.
One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are effective and have minimal side effects compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine treatments result in physical dependence. Despite this they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side-effects, such as 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. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be 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 several antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.
Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be appropriate for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but they are still available. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Other antidepressants that may aid are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic forms. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage the stressors. It can be done either individually or in a small group. In both instances, it takes time to show results. Some people believe that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Others find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll have to take steps to manage anxiety, including physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.
Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and do not increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination problems, and dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
I Am Psychiatry of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should be taking them and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll have to see an astrologer to obtain these medications.