10 Treat Anxiety That Are Unexpected

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's extremely treatable with 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications are also used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up one month before they begin working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines may take a few days to start taking effect, and they also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other adverse reactions make them less popular. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and high risk of toxicity restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance, sedation and addiction as well as withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tight. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and trembling) and help promote sleep.

The way they work is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short periods of time like when you experience a panic attack or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs do not stay in the body for long. They are fast acting and can be effective in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations where immediate relief is needed (such for instance, during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public).

As they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for a period of up to four weeks at a go. They also lose effectiveness after a certain period of time.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are effective and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically in combination with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you currently take or are planning to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines.

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 to treat other health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.

The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, however these medications may not be appropriate for all people. If the antidepressants do not work doctors may suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, yet they're still readily available. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses if you are having sleep problems or anxiety.

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

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychological therapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behavior that contribute towards your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and develop how to cope. Based on the severity of your problem, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy is the process of increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances it takes time to achieve results. Some people find that the combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medications

While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause anxiety and stress. But, they're not a cure all. You'll still need to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro).  anxiety attack treatment  may have mild adverse effects, like insomnia or nausea, however they typically subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety however they can also cause side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates but are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing effect by blocking the histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same dangers of addiction like 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 conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss the length of time you should take them for and any possible side effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get these medications.