10 Treat Anxiety Tricks All Experts Recommend

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health problems, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. There are a variety of medications 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, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression, and they can alleviate symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month before they begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, though 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 operate a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are used to combat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction, and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delusions. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and encourage sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These medications are typically taken for short durations like panic attacks or an anxiety attack. They can help relieve symptoms in 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They're quick-acting and can be used in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations when immediate relief is needed (such as during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).

As they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that time they also become less effective.

One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they were effective and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment for anxiety attacks leads to physical dependence. However they still play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when used in combination with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medicines you are taking or thinking about taking. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can reduce 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 (GAD). The FDA has approved several antidepressants to treat other ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for all people. If they fail, doctors may look at the more traditional 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 still available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that could aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They're also available in generic form. If they don't help, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping skills. Based on your specific condition, you might undergo cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. This can be done in a single session or in a small group. In both instances, it takes time to achieve results. Some people believe that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best way to treat anxiety disorder choice. Others find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. It's crucial to tell 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 ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that cause you anxiety and stress. They're not a cure-all. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage your anxiety, including exercises as well as relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

Your doctor could initially prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications might have mild adverse effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were created to treat allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance which means it doesn't carry the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by 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 examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available through prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.