Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. Many types of medications are 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month before they start working.

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

Another class of antidepressants known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels 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 certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and which might be best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in 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 the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations of time, such as when a panic attack occurs or if you are experiencing extreme anxiety treatment anxiety. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They are fast-acting and often perform in just a few hours, making them suitable for situations when quick relief is needed (like during a flight or prior to giving a public presentation).

They are addictive, and it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at one time. After that time, they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are effective 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 are often blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Yet, benzodiazepines continue to play a major role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you're considering or taking. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be suitable for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still accessible. Your doctor can also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

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

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective when coupled 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 develop coping skills. Based on your specific condition, you might receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront unhelpful and fearful thoughts, and overcome your avoidance of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be done in a group or individually. In both cases, results take time to appear. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most common treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still need to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're less well-known than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering with the production and release 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 examine your symptoms and health history 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 medication is only available on prescription, which means that a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.