A Look At The Myths And Facts Behind Treat Anxiety

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults 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. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month before they begin working.

These drugs increase the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These are typically the first choice to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, though at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to be effective and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets make them unsuitable for use.

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

Therapy is a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety as it can help you discover more about the symptoms and their root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and what could be the best choice for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect 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 medicines are often employed for short periods of time like an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them ideal for situations in which you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or before giving an address in public).

They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. They also lose their effectiveness after a period of time.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have minimal adverse effects when compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are safe 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 have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you currently use or plan to take.  anxiety treatment therapy Iampsychiatry  can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health issues. 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 conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for everyone. If these antidepressants don't work doctors may suggest an older form of medication called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Other antidepressants that can help are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they aren't working, your physician can try the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

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

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behavior that cause anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn coping skills. Depending on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both instances it takes time to show results. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are often prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These medications can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You'll have to take steps to control anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor can prescribe. According to research, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications may have mild side effects, like nausea or insomnia, but they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines such as alprazolam diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium), provide immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and even dependence. They're not as popular than the barbiturates of the past, but they're just as effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and can cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class of medications known as anticonvulsants, which have been shown to ease anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications are often prescribed as a 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 drugs are suitable for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means you'll have to see a psychiatrist to get them.