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 common anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month for them to begin working.They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to start taking effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, particularly GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects are what make them less well-liked. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the high risk of toxicity limit their usage.Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger dependence, tolerance, and sedation and withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and the root causes. Many people find that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and promote sleep.They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to amygdala. It is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of anxiety.These medications can be used for short periods of time, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Contrary to SSRIs they don’t stay in the body for a long time. They’re quick-acting and can be used within a couple of hours. This makes them suitable for situations in which quick relief is required (such for instance, on an airplane or before a presentation in public).Because they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. After that they also cease to be effective.One of the reasons why benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They are safe and have a rapid onset, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine therapies can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.Benzos may interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It’s important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you’re currently taking or thinking about taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.AntidepressantsAntidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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 bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be suitable for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work, the doctor may try an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They’re less common than newer antidepressants but are still available. You can ask your doctor 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). These medications are also available in generic forms. If they don’t help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren’t usually used for anxiety alone however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Depending on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and to overcome your aversion to situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until can cope with the stressors. This can be done individually or in small groups. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. However, others discover that medications alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.iampsychiatry.com can also help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to ease anxiety.These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they’re not the only solution. You’ll still have to do other things to control your anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the “first choices” anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and do not increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates but are equally effective.Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally developed to relieve allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled drug and therefore doesn’t have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.Another type of medication that may help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to relieve anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications are often used as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you’ll need to take these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.