Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among 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 common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications also treat depression, and they can ease the symptoms of separation anxiety treatment (understanding) disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month to start working.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however at a lower degree than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause addiction, tolerance, and sedation and withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety treatment therapy because it allows you to discover more about the symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both aid in coping. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and what is the best anxiety treatment might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart nal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines 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 drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these medications might not be suitable for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work the doctor might suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants but are still readily available. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses in case you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine can also be helpful. These medications are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety by themselves, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behavior that contribute towards your anxiety. It will help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on your specific situation, you may be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage them. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, the results can take a while to show. Some people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. Tell your doctor how to treat anxiety without drugs you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause you stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You will still have to take steps to manage anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have minor adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and won't increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have adverse effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. These medications are less well-known than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease natural anti anxiety treatment by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll need to see an astrologer to obtain them.