The Top Treat Anxiety Gurus Are Doing Three Things

Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It's extremely treatable with 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. Unlike benzodiazepines, they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medications are selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs are also used to treat depression as well as relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It could take up to a month before they start working.

They work by increasing the production of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also use other types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Another class of antidepressants, called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor), are also used to treat anxiety. They work a little differently from SSRIs, as they also reduce the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications can take a while to take effects, and they are more expensive than SSRIs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine Tofranil, can be effective for treating anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other side effects make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their use.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term while waiting for SSRIs and SNRIs. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that include rebound depression, anxiety and even delusions. Benzodiazepines can be found in alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam.

Therapy is a crucial component of any treatment plan for anxiety. It assists you to better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both aid in coping. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor about your options and what is best treatment for anxiety is the best option for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have a calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also relieve symptoms of bodily stimulation related to fear (like heart racing or trembling) and help 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 enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are that are transmitted to the amygdala, which is the brain's region that assesses threats and produces the sensation of fear.

These medications are sometimes used for short periods like panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They can relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines, unlike SSRIs don't stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and typically perform in just a few hours, making them suitable for situations in which quick relief is needed (like during a flight or prior to giving an event in public).

They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for a maximum of 4 weeks at one time. They also lose their effectiveness after that time.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are safe and have fewer negative effects compared to predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They have a rapid onset of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the stigmatization of anxiety and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this they play a significant role in the treatment for generalized anxiety of anxiety disorders, specifically 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, confusion or drowsiness. It is important to inform your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription, or herbal medication you are currently taking or are planning to take. You can determine which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines by checking the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are 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, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.

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

Nefazodone, also referred to as Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be beneficial. They're also available in generic forms. If they do not work, your doctor can try the sedating antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Other medications for anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These medications aren't typically used to treat anxiety on their own, but they can be effective if coupled with psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute towards your anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and develop coping skills. Depending on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fears and the fear of situations that cause your anxiety. The process involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both instances it takes time to demonstrate results. A combination of medication and psychotherapy therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. It's crucial to tell your doctor about the things you're doing to manage your symptoms.

Other Medical treatments for anxiety

Other medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines and buspirone are all prescribed to reduce anxiety.

These medications correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can help alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that can 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.

The SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor can prescribe. These are the most effective medications for treating anxiety treatment natural disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but they usually disappear within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.

The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they could cause adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They can also cause problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially developed to relieve allergies. However they also serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and can cause the body to relax. It is not a controlled drug and therefore does not carry the same risks of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Another kind of medication that can aid with anxiety is a group of medications called anticonvulsants. They have been proven to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production and release of serotonin and dopamine. They might be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will assess your health history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible adverse effects that could occur. Anxiety medication to treat anxiety is only available on prescription, which means you'll need to visit an astrologer to obtain them.