Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are 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 commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also treat depression, and they can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month to begin working.
They help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These medications are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as 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 work a little differently than SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines 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, including GAD. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions are what make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are also able to be used to treat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their use.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and the root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication help them to cope. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what's best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines produce an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate and shaking) and encourage sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain's region which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.
These medications are typically used for short periods like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which quick relief is required (such for instance, during a flight or prior to presenting in public).
Since they can be addictive, people are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a time. After that period they cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they were effective and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors like barbiturates or meprobamate. They are safe and have a rapid onset and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s which included the reduction of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. Despite this they still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you are considering or taking. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and other mental disorders. 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 kinds of pain.
SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for all people. If they don't work doctors can consider a different type of antidepressant, known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline and Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still readily available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.
Other antidepressants that could help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic forms. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They lower heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be beneficial when combined with psychological therapy.
Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your health condition, you could receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your avoidance of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to manage them. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both instances, it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best choice for some people. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medications
Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.
These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by lowering or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. But, they're not an all-in-one solution. You will still need to do things to control anxiety, like exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.
The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor can prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause mild adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they can cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but are just as effective.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they also serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They can be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you should take these medications and any negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available by prescription, and a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.