Treat Anxiety: The History Of Treat Anxiety In 10 Milestones

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million adults in the United States. Many types of medications are available to treat anxiety.

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 medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They can take up to a month to start working.

These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They function a bit differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medicines take a long time to work and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse effects make them less well-known. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant that can be used to treat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions restrict their use.

Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are typically found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.

Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety Alternative Treatment For Depression And Anxiety plan. It helps you to better know your symptoms and their causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. Some studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tense. They also ease symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate or shaking), and promote sleep.

They work by binding inhibitory neurons, like GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid, at receptors within the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that detects threats and creates the sensation of fear.

These medications can be used for short durations like when you experience a panic attack or if you are experiencing severe anxiety. They can help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Unlike SSRIs, benzodiazepines don't remain in the body for long. They are fast-acting and often perform in just a few hours, making them suitable for situations in which quick relief is needed (like during a flight or before giving a public presentation).

Because they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them for a period of 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 well-known is that they are efficient and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a quick time to begin their action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. However they still play an important role in the holistic treatment for anxiety of anxiety treatment for cats disorders, specifically when used in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you currently take or plan to take. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to determine which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can be 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 antidepressants for other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, however they might not be effective for everyone. If they aren't working doctors might look at the more traditional antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, dothiepin, doxepin or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still readily available. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel), at lower doses in case you are experiencing sleep issues or anxiety.

Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine can also be helpful. They're also available in generic form. If they aren't helping your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the heart rate and blood pressure by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat acute anxiety treatment by themselves however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior patterns that cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-provoking situations until you are able to handle the stressors. It can be performed either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, it takes time to achieve results. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Others find that medication alone is sufficient how to treat anxiety without meds treat their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Other medications can also help relieve your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can cause anxiety and stress. However, they're not a cure all. You'll require a variety of methods to manage anxiety, such as exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor might prescribe. According to studies, these medications are the most effective for treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause mild side effects like nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks however they can also cause adverse effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're not as popular over the more traditional barbiturates but are just as effective.

Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were developed to relieve allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming effect because it blocks histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same dangers of addiction like benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications are often prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They will discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.