anxiety-treatment

Meds That Treat AnxietyAnxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications available to treat anxiety.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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they’re addictive.SSRIsThe most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month to start working.They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other side effects make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their use.Benzodiazepines are frequently used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can trigger dependence tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms like a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment plan for anxiety. It aids you in better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and which is the best option for you.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and help promote sleep.The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear.These medicines are often employed for short periods of time, such as during panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don’t stay in the body for a long time. They’re quick-acting and can work within a few hours. anxiety depression treatment makes them perfect for situations when quick relief is required (such as during a flight or prior to presenting in public).They are addictive, and people are usually prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at a time. They also lose effectiveness after a certain period of time.One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a rapid onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Yet the fact that benzodiazepines play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you’re currently considering or taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.AntidepressantsAntidepressants 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 for other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They’re less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they’re still accessible. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you’re experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.Other antidepressants that may help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they aren’t helping, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren’t typically used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when combined with psychological therapy.Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until can cope with the stressors. This can be done in a single session or in smaller groups. In both instances, the results take time to appear. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Others discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.Other MedicationsOther drugs can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.These medications can help ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they’re not an all-in-one solution. You’ll still have to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.Your doctor may first prescribe one of the “first first” anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they’re not addictive and do not increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. These drugs are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However, they are also used to ease anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It’s not a controlled substance and therefore doesn’t carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are right for you. They will also discuss the length of time you’ll need to take these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you’ll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.