Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. A variety of medications are available to treat it.

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 reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to one month for them to start working.

These drugs work by boosting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first choice for treating anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like 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 long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause tolerance, sedation and addiction, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound anxiety, depression and even delusions. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of an anxiety treatment plan, as it helps you discover more about the symptoms and the root causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and which might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate, trembling or shaking), and promote sleep.

They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like 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 reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain which assesses threats and creates a sense of anxiety.

These medications are typically taken for short durations, such as during a panic attack or severe anxiety episode. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They're quick-acting and can be used within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations where rapid relief is required (such for instance, during a flight or before a presentation in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at a time. After that time they cease to be effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are effective and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a rapid start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine therapies lead to physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you are currently taking or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health 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 treatment postpartum anxiety treatment disorder (GAD). The FDA has approved several antidepressants for other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be appropriate for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work, the doctor may try an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still accessible. Your doctor may prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't help, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that 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.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviours that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, the results take time to appear. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best way to treat anxiety option for some people. However, others find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. But, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still need to do other things to control anxiety, such as physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective drugs to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. These are less popular 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 treatment medicines symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.

Another type of medication that can aid with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary natural treatment for anxiety and panic attacks for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history to determine if these drugs are right for you. They will discuss the length of time you should take these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.