The email you entered is already receiving Daily Bits Emails!
Meds That Treat Anxiety Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions that affects 40 million adults in the United States. Many types 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 aren't addictive, unlike benzodiazepines. SSRIs The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month for them to begin to work. They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Another class of antidepressants called serotonin and norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to begin taking effect, and they also are more expensive than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Their drowsiness, and other adverse effects are what make them less well-liked. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to treat anxiety. However, their restrictions on diet and the risk of toxicity restrict their use. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term, while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy, and withdrawal reactions that can cause rebound depression, anxiety, and even delusions. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan). Therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for anxiety, as it helps you understand your symptoms and the causes. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them manage their anxiety. Certain studies have proven that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or shaking), 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 boost the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and produces a feeling of anxiety. These medications can be used for short durations, such as when panic attacks occur or if you're experiencing severe anxiety. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Benzodiazepines are different from SSRIs do not stay in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can work in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations in which immediate relief is needed (such for instance, on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public). Since they are addictive, patients are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. After that period, they also cease to be effective. One of the reasons why the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had minimal side effects when compared with their predecessors, like barbiturates or meprobamate. They are fast in the start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives, anticonvulsants and as muscle relaxants. Benzos are often blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment leads to physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects such as drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're taking or thinking about taking. Go through the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out which medicines are safe to take with benzodiazepines. 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 bipolar disorder, eating disorders and certain kinds of pain. Most doctors recommend SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be appropriate for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working, the doctor may try an older version called a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. They're less common than newer antidepressants, but still accessible. Your doctor can also prescribe the sedating antidepressant Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia. Other antidepressants that may help include the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These drugs are also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor may try the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedating antidepressant Mirtazapine. Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce blood pressure and heart rate by blocking adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety by themselves, but they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy. Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It will help you learn to manage your anxiety and build coping skills. Depending on your condition, you might undergo exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to develop the ability to confront negative thoughts, fears and avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. This can be done individually or in a small group. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat symptoms. It's important to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to control your symptoms. Other Medical Treatments Other medications can help alleviate your symptoms. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to ease anxiety. These medications can help ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. However, they'ren't a cure all. You'll still have to do other things to reduce anxiety, such as exercises, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy. iampsychiatry.com could initially prescribe one of the "first choice" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. These are the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications might have minor side effects, such as insomnia or nausea, but they typically disappear within 4-8 weeks. Unlike the benzodiazepines, they're not addictive and do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. The benzodiazepines, alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepoxide, (Valium) offer immediate relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. They're a less popular choice over the more traditional barbiturates but are just as effective. Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally created to treat allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine may have a relaxing affect by blocking histamine receptors. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same risks of addiction like benzodiazepines. Anticonvulsants are an additional kind of medication that can help with anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release of dopamine as well as sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.
Member since: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment
