Why Treat Anxiety Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with numerous 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. They aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

SSRIs

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

They are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs as they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications can take a while to take effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and high risk of toxicity limit their use.

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

Therapy is an essential component of a treatment plan for anxiety, as it helps you discover more about the symptoms and the causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid to manage anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and encourage sleep.

The way they work is by 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 increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, a region of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.

These medications can be utilized for short periods of time, such as when you experience a panic attack or when you experience extreme anxiety. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Contrary to SSRIs they don't stay in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and can be effective within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations when immediate relief is needed (such for instance, during a flight or prior to presenting in public).

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

One of the reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they worked and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate or barbiturates. They are efficient and have a rapid onset and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment for anxiety near me leads to physical dependence. Despite this they play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in conjunction with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side-effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're currently contemplating or are taking. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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 many antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, however they may not work for everyone. If they fail, doctors may look at the more traditional antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline or nortriptyline, as well as clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still readily available. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.

Other antidepressants that could aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause Driving Anxiety Treatment. It can help you manage your postpartum anxiety treatment and develop strategies for coping. Depending on your health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the level of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle the stressors. It can be carried out 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 option for some people. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger anxiety and stress. However, they're not the only solution. You'll still have to take steps to manage anxiety, like physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

Your doctor could first prescribe one of the "first first" anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and won't increase your risk of having suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. They're not as popular than the older barbiturates, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled substance and does not have the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They have been shown to ease anxiety by interfering with the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications are often prescribed as part of a combination therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so you'll have to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.