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Meds That Treat Anxiety Anxiety affects 40 million adults 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive. SSRIs The most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up to one month before they begin working. They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They're typically the first treatment option for anxiety, but doctors also employ other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Another class of antidepressants, known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine, however at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like imipramine (Tofranil), can be effective in treating some anxiety disorders, notably GAD. Their drowsiness, along with other adverse effects, make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. Their high toxicity risk and restrictions on diets limit their use. Benzodiazepines can be used treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam. Therapy is a crucial component of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better be aware of your symptoms and root causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them cope with anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to find out what's best for you. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax tense muscle. They also reduce symptoms of fear-related bodily arousal (like heart rate and shaking) and encourage sleep. They work by binding inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids at receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and decreasing the amount of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety. These medications are typically used for short periods, such as during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety episode. They may ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Unlike SSRIs which are a long-lasting medication, benzodiazepines do not stay in the body for very long. They're fast-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them suitable for situations where quick relief is required (such for instance, during an airplane ride or before a presentation in public). Since they are addictive, patients are usually only prescribed them for a period of up to four weeks at a go. After that they become less effective. One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they were effective and had few side effects, when compared to their predecessors, like barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick start of action and are very useful as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants. Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies. Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're currently taking or thinking about taking. You can determine which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list of drug interactions. Antidepressants Antidepressants can be 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 to treat other health conditions, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain types of pain. SSRIs are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they may not work for everyone. If they don't work, doctors may try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but still accessible. You may also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems. Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These medications are also available in generic form. If they don't help your doctor, you can try the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine. Beta blockers are used to treat anxiety disorders. They lower blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety alone, but they can be effective if combined with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behavior that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop coping strategies. Depending on your health condition, you could receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they become manageable. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Others find that medication alone is enough to manage their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms. Other Medicines Other drugs can also help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety. These drugs can correct an imbalance in your brain's chemical balance and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. But, they're not a cure all. You will still require a variety of methods to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques, and psychological therapy. Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the “first choice” anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and do not increase your risk for suicidal thoughts. The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepoxide (Valium) offer immediate relief for anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, as well as dependence. They're less well-known over the more traditional barbiturates however, they're equally efficient. Antihistamines, like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) are created to treat allergies however, they're also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. treatment anxiety within the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same dangers of addiction as benzodiazepines. Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants, which have been proven to reduce anxiety by interfering with the production and release of dopamine and serotonin. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are appropriate for you. They will 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.