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Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely treatable with numerous medications available.
pediatric anxiety treatment I Am Psychiatry (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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression, and they can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They may take up to a month to begin working.
They are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently from SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to start taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets limit their use.
Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can cause addiction, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms like a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.
Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment plan for anxiety. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and determine what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines produce a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and encourage sleep.
The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.
These medications are typically employed for short periods of time, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations in which rapid relief is required (such as on an airplane or before a presentation in public).
They are addictive, and people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at each time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.
One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they worked and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are fast in the start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're considering or taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.
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 disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved antidepressants to treat other health conditions, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for all people. If they don't work doctors can look at the more traditional antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still accessible. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be useful. They're also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when combined with psychological therapy.
Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn how to cope. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that cause anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be carried out in a group or on your own. In both instances, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for certain people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These medications correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll need to do things to reduce anxiety, such as exercises, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications can cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates but are equally effective.
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 cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled substance and therefore doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. These medications can be used as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get them.