10 Things People Get Wrong About The Word "Treat Anxiety"

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. A variety 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month for them to begin working.

These drugs work by boosting the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, but doctors can prescribe other forms of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They operate a bit differently than SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another type of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential component of the treatment for anxiety as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and the root causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication can help to manage anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and what could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and shaking) and promote sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA, at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These medicines are often taken for short durations for instance, during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Unlike SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines became so popular 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 used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that were developed in the 1970s and 1980s which included the reduction of the disorder, and the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Despite this however, benzodiazepines still play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other interpersonal therapies.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you're currently contemplating or are taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for everyone. If they fail doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but are still available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for anxiety or sleep.

Other antidepressants that may aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't work your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Treatments for other extreme anxiety treatment disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking 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 behavior that cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn strategies for coping. Depending on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to challenge fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations which trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances it takes time to show results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best anxiety disorder treatment choice for some people. Some people discover that medications alone are enough to manage their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common medications to treat anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms as well. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage your anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs may cause minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and won't increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.

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

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were created how to treat anxiety acid reflux treat allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same risk 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 relieve anxiety by affecting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. They might be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety depression treatment. Your doctor will examine your medical 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 medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get them.