snailwillow78

Meds That Treat Anxiety Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. Many types of medications are available to treat anxiety. 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 commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also treat depression and can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month for them to begin working. These drugs help by increasing the levels 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 such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines 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 side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and high risk of toxicity restrict their use. Benzodiazepines are often used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These medications can cause addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan). Therapy is an essential part of any treatment for anxiety. It assists you to better be aware of your symptoms and causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to determine what is the best option for you. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines create a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and encourage sleep. They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of fear. These medications can be used for short periods of time, such as when you experience a panic attack or when you experience severe anxiety. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They are fast acting and can work within a couple of hours. This makes them ideal for situations where rapid relief is required (such as during a flight or before giving a presentation in public). Because they can be addictive, people are usually prescribed up to four weeks at a go. They also lose their effectiveness after that time. One of the reasons why benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had a few adverse effects when compared to their predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a rapid start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants. Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a major part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies. Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you're currently taking or thinking about taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health conditions, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain and bipolar disorder. SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older type known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still readily available. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety. Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be helpful. They're also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the tranquilizing antidepressant Mirtazapine. Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety by themselves, but can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Based on your specific condition, you might be treated with exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to overcome negative and fearful thoughts and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. It can be carried out in a group or on your own. In both cases, it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medications and psychological therapy is the best option for some individuals. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms. Other Medications Other drugs can also help relieve your symptoms. 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 the signals that can cause stress and fear. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You'll still need to do other things to control your anxiety, like physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy. Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the “first choices” anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective medicines to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications may cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory, and may even cause dependence. These drugs are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective. Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are designed to help with allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. pills to treat anxiety has a calming effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines. Another type of medication that may help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They've been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and health history to determine if these drugs are right 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 through prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.