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Meds That Treat Anxiety Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. A variety of medications are available to treat it. 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, as are benzodiazepines. SSRIs The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month before they begin working. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first choice for treating anxiety, although doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines. Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety disorders . However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage. Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term in the meantime, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can lead to dependence tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms like a depression, anxiety, and delirium. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam. Therapy is a crucial component of an anxiety treatment plan as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and their reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk with your doctor about your options and which could be the best choice for you. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tense. They also alleviate symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and shaking) and encourage sleep. They work by binding to inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are that are sent to the amygdala. which is the brain's region that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear. These medicines are often employed for short periods of time, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episodes. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They're quick-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations where quick relief is required (such for instance, during an airplane ride or prior to presenting in public). Since they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. They also lose effectiveness after a period of time. One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are efficient and have few side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Despite this they still 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 can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects, like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medications that you are currently taking or plan to take. You can find out which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug 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 antidepressants for other health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain. The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work the doctor might suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline and Clomipramine. They're not as popular as the latest antidepressants but are still accessible. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're experiencing sleep issues or anxiety. Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also helpful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and Olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine. Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and teach you how to cope. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you overcome negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. This can be done in a single session or in smaller groups. In both cases, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people find that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to manage your symptoms. Other Medications Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety. These drugs can correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that cause you stress and fear. They're not a cure-all. You'll still need to do things to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy. Your doctor may first prescribe one of the “first choice” anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects like insomnia and nausea, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas. The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause negative effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're a less popular choice over the more traditional barbiturates but they're just as effective. Antihistamines such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However they can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and can cause a calming effect. It is not a controlled drug and does not have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines. Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. They may be prescribed in combination with other medicines or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should take them for and any potential side effects. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so a psychiatrist will be required to prescribe it.