15 Shocking Facts About Treat Anxiety You Didn't Know

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with numerous 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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also help with depression, and can alleviate the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month for them to begin to work.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're usually the first treatment option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to take effect, and they also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression anxiety treatment near me, anxiety and even delusions. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It aids you in better understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate, trembling and trembling) and promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short durations, such as when you experience a panic attack or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often perform in just a few hours, making them ideal for situations in which quick relief is needed (like during an airplane flight or prior to giving an address in public).

As they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed up to four weeks at a go. They also lose effectiveness after that time.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are effective and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid onset, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a major role in the alternative treatment for anxiety and panic attacks for anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you are currently taking or plan to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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 types of pain and bipolar disorder.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first-line treatment for panic attacks and anxiety for anxiety, however these medications may not be suitable for all people. If these antidepressants don't work, the doctor may try an older form of medication called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

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

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you How treat Anxiety and depression to cope. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. This can be done in a single session or in smaller groups. In both instances it takes time to show results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. However, others find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that can cause anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You will still require a variety of methods to manage anxiety, such as exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor might first prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs may cause minor side effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium), provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They may 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 suitable for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any potential side effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get these medications.