(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2022.png)Meds That Treat Anxiety
Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It is extremely treatable, and there are 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications are also used to treat depression and alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month before they start working.
These medications help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These are typically the first option to treat anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other types of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They function a bit differently than SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take some time to begin taking effects, and also tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as imipramine (Tofranil) are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, and other side effects make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another kind of antidepressant that can be used how to treat anxiety without meds combat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions make them unsuitable for use.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety attack natural treatment in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety treatment plan, depression, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.
Therapy is a vital part of any treatment for anxiety. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy works just as well as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and what could be the best choice for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or trembling), and 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 increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the number of messages that are transmitted to the amygdala, an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.
These medications are typically employed for short periods of time like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. In contrast to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them ideal for situations where rapid relief is required (such for instance, during a flight or prior to presenting in public).
They are addictive, which is why people are generally only prescribed them for a maximum of 4 weeks at a time. After that period they also cease to be effective.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, such as meprobamate and barbiturates. They have a rapid onset of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, including the denial of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment for depression and anxiety can lead to physical dependence. Despite this, 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 and interpersonal therapies.
Benzos may interact with other medications and cause unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness and confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medicines you currently use or are planning to take. Go through 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 for other health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.
SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants don't work the doctor might suggest an older type called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still available. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you're having sleep problems or anxiety.
Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also helpful. They're also available in generic form. If they aren't working, your physician can try the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.
Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs aren't usually used for anxiety alone however they can be helpful when used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Depending on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to manage the stressors. It can be performed in a group or individually. In both instances, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.
Other Medical Treatments
While antidepressants and benzodiazepines are the most frequently prescribed treatment for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are often prescribed to ease anxiety.
These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking signals that trigger anxiety and stress. They're not a panacea. You will still need to do things to control anxiety, including physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.
Your doctor could first prescribe one of the ”first choices” anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild anxiety treatment side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and won't increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they may cause adverse effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory and may even cause dependence. These medications are less well-known than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications are often prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are right for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, and it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.