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Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with numerous medications available.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro and Effexor, work to alleviate anxiety attack natural treatment by raising levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most commonly used acute anxiety treatment medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also treat depression, and they can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month to start working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These drugs are usually the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types 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 as they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower degree than SSRIs. They may take some time to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the high risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can cause dependence tolerance, sedation, and tolerance and withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best drug to treat anxiety option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or shaking) and encourage sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, an area of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short durations like when a panic attack occurs or if you're experiencing extreme anxiety. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations in which rapid relief is required (such as during a flight or before a presentation in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are efficient and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a quick onset of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety treatment types), sedatives and anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Despite this they play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and cause unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal treatment for anxiety medicines you're currently contemplating or are taking. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications 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 several antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be effective for all people. If they aren't working doctors can consider a different type of antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but they are still available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also useful. They're also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Depending on your situation, you may receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to control their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You will still need to do things to control anxiety, such as exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, however, they're equally efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been found to decrease anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should be taking them and any possible adverse effects. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, which means that a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.