Where To Research Treat Anxiety Online

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications also treat depression and can ease symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month for them to start working.

They are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other types of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to begin taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil) can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. However their drowsiness and other side effects make them less well-known. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions make them unsuitable for 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 trigger dependence, tolerance, and sedation as well as withdrawal symptoms like a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them manage their anxiety. 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 have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and encourage sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear.

These drugs can be used for short periods of time like when panic attacks occur or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs don't stay in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and typically take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations where you require quick relief (like during a flight or before giving an address in public).

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

One of the reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was that they worked and had minimal side effects, when compared to their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid onset of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However the fact that benzodiazepines play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause unwanted side-effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medicines you are currently taking or are planning to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be 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 for other health issues, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain types of pain.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not work for everyone. If these antidepressants aren't working the doctor might suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants, yet they're still available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're experiencing anxiety disorder Treatment without medication or sleep problems.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you to overcome fears and thoughts that are harmful, and overcome your avoidance of situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they are manageable. It can be done either individually or in small groups. In both instances it takes time to show results. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people discover that medications alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, other medications can ease your symptoms too. Antihistamines and beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They are not a panacea. You will still require a variety of methods to control anxiety treatment without drugs, like physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac) and Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, however they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and even dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They can be prescribed in combination with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these medications are right for you. They'll also discuss how long you should be taking them and any potential adverse effects. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.