Treat Anxiety Strategies From The Top In The Industry

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health problems that affects 40 million adults in the United States. It's highly treatable, with various types of medication 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 inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also help with depression, and can help relieve symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month before they begin working.

These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to start taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other side effects make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their use.

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

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you learn more about your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and which is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and trembling) and encourage sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short durations of time like when you experience a panic attack or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They may ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body long. They're quick-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations when immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public).

Because they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that they also lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared with their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a quick time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

I Am Psychiatry  were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed during the 1970s and 80s, including the minimization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you're contemplating or are taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be effective in treating anxiety and mental illnesses. 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 for other health issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain.

Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be suitable for all people. If they fail doctors can consider a different type of antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but still available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be helpful. They are also available in generic forms. If they aren't helping your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used to treat anxiety on their own, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Depending on your situation, you may be treated with cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they become manageable. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can also help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You'll require a variety of methods to control anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have mild adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're less well-known than the older barbiturates, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine has a calming effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug and doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. These medications can be used as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any potential side effects. Anxiety medications are only available with a prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get them.