10 Healthy Treat Anxiety Habits

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people 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 medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month for them to start working.

They work by increasing the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first choice for treating anxiety, but doctors can also prescribe other kinds of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used for anxiety. They differ from SSRIs since they reduce norepinephrine but at a lower rate than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to start taking effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

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

Benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These medications can trigger addiction to tolerance, sedation, and dependence and withdrawal symptoms like a depression, anxiety, and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is an important part of the treatment for anxiety as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and the root causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect that reduces anxiety and relaxes muscles that are tense. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal related to fear (like heart rate and trembling) and help promote sleep.

They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids and bind to receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala. It is a part of the brain that evaluates threats and creates a sense of fear.

These medicines are often employed for short periods of time for instance, during an attack of panic or a severe anxiety attack. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Unlike SSRIs they don't stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and can be effective in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations when quick relief is required (such as on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).

They can be addictive, so people are generally only prescribed them for up to 4 weeks at each time. After that period, they also cease to be effective.

One of the main reasons benzodiazepines were so popular was they were efficient and had minimal side effects when compared to their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are fast in the start of action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) as well as sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged during the 1970s and 80s which included the reduction of the disorder, as well as the perception that benzodiazepine therapies result in physical dependence. Despite this, they continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, specifically when used in conjunction with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause undesirable side-effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you are currently taking or are planning to take. Check the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out which medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health problems. 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 many antidepressants for other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, certain kinds of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for all people. If these antidepressants aren't working the doctor might suggest an older version known as a tetracyclic, or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline as well as clomipramine. These antidepressants are not as popular but are still accessible. You may ask your doctor to prescribe the sedating antidepressant, trazodone(Desyrel) in lower doses if you are experiencing anxiety or sleep problems.

Other antidepressants that may help include nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).  treatment anxiety  are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician might suggest a sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Beta blockers are used to treat other anxiety disorders. They reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behavior that can cause anxiety. It can teach you to control your anxiety and learn coping skills. Based on the severity of your situation exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome the fear of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to manage the stressors. This can be done in a single session or in small groups. In both instances it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people find that the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to manage symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medications

Other medications can help alleviate your symptoms. Antihistamines, beta blockers, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to ease anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they're not an all-in-one solution. You'll still require a variety of methods to manage anxiety, like exercises as well as relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may have minor side effects, like insomnia or nausea, but they usually subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from panic attacks and anxiety, but they can have adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination problems, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but are just as efficient.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were designed to help with allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not carry the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different type of medication which can be used to treat anxiety. They have been found to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release dopamine and sérotonin. They can be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are suitable for you. They'll also talk about how long you should be taking them and any potential side effects. Anxiety medications are only available through prescription, so you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.