meds that treat depression and anxiety that treat anxiety [daugherty-Enevoldsen.Hubstack.net]

Anxiety affects 40 million adults 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. In contrast to benzodiazepines, they're addictive.

SSRIs

The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also treat depression and can ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can take up to one month for them to start working.

These drugs are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters that are present in the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety treatment without medicine, although doctors may prescribe other forms 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 operate a bit differently from SSRIs in that they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine Tofranil are effective in treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness as well as other side effects make them less well-known. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a different kind of antidepressant used to treat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and high risk of toxicity limit their usage.

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These drugs can trigger tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam, clonazepam, as well as lorazepam.

Therapy is an essential part of any treatment plan for anxiety. It aids you in better be aware of your symptoms and causes. Many people discover that medication and therapy both help them cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as anxiety medications. Speak to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming affect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate, trembling or shaking) and encourage sleep.

The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutryic acids or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They enhance the effects of GABA by facilitating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. an area of the brain that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medicines are often taken for short durations like panic attacks or an anxiety episode. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for long. They're fast-acting and can be effective in a matter of hours. This makes them ideal for situations where quick relief is required (such as during a flight or prior to presenting in public).

Because they are addictive, patients are usually prescribed for up to four weeks at a go. After that they become less effective.

One of the main reasons why benzodiazepines are so well-known is that they are efficient and have minimal negative effects compared to predecessors, such as barbiturates or meprobamate. They have a quick time to begin their action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.

Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this the fact that benzodiazepines play a significant part in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when they are combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.

Benzos can interact with other drugs and cause unwanted side-effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medications you're currently contemplating or are taking. You can find out which medications are safe to take along with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants can 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health ailments, too, such as eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment option for anxiety by doctors, but they might not work for everyone. If they don't work doctors might try the older type of antidepressant known as tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but still available. Your doctor may also prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Other antidepressants that can aid are Nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic forms. If they aren't working, your physician may suggest the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics quetiapine or olanzapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by preventing the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be beneficial when combined with psychological therapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can teach you to manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your condition exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome the fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the intensity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to handle the stressors. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both instances, results take time to appear. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best treatment for generalized anxiety choice. Some people find that taking medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.

Other Medicines

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed treatments for anxiety, other drugs can help ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.

These drugs can help you reduce your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. But, they're not the only solution. You'll need to continue doing other things to manage your anxiety, like physical exercise as well as relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are your first choice of anxiety medication that your doctor might prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety treatment symptoms disorders according to research studies. Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the fluoxetine (Prozac), Citropram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These medications may cause minor side effects, such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. Contrary to benzodiazepines they're not addictive and won't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks However, they can cause side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. They're a less popular choice than the older barbiturates, but are just as effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine), were created to treat allergies, but they're also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks the histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It's not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can help with anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They might be prescribed in conjunction with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your health history and symptoms to determine if these drugs are suitable for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need these medicines and any potential adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, which means you'll need to see a psychiatrist to get them.