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7 Essential Tips For Making The Most Of Your Treat Anxiety
Meds That Treat Anxiety

Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. It's highly treatable, with various types of medication 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. Suggested Looking at to benzodiazepines they're not addictive.

SSRIs

The most common anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These medications can also treat depression, and they can ease symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to one month before they begin working.

These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications are typically the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine, (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They differ from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine but at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs.

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

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to combat anxiety and panic attacks in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation and withdrawal reactions that may cause depression, anxiety, and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Therapy is a crucial component of the treatment for anxiety as it can help you understand your symptoms and the reasons. Many people find that both therapy and medication can help them cope with anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive therapy is just as effective as medication for anxiety. Talk to your doctor to find out what's right for you.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have an calming effect, which can reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also reduce symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart racing and shaking) and help promote sleep.

The way they function is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA which is a receptor in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters while reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, an area of the brain which detects threats and gives the sensation of fear.

These drugs can be used for short durations for instance, when you experience a panic attack or when you experience extreme anxiety. They can help ease symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes after taking them. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs aren't able to remain in the body for a long time. They are fast-acting and often take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations in which immediate relief is required (like on a plane flight or before giving a public presentation).

As they can be addictive, people are typically prescribed for up to four weeks at a time. After that period they lose their effectiveness.

One of the reasons why benzodiazepines are so popular is because they are effective and have few side effects compared to their predecessors such as barbiturates and meprobamate. They are efficient and have a rapid start, and can be used as anxiolytics in order to reduce anxiety. They can also be employed as sedatives, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes toward anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the stigmatization of anxiety and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. However they play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in combination with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It's important to let your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you are contemplating or are taking. You can find out which medications are safe to use with benzodiazepines through the British National Formulary A-Z list for medication interactions.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety and other mental conditions. 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 eating disorders, bipolar disorder and certain kinds of pain.

SSRIs are typically prescribed as a first-line treatment of anxiety by doctors, but they might not be effective for all people. If they aren't working doctors might try the older type of antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but are still accessible. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.

Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine may also be helpful. They are also available in generic form. If they don't work, your doctor may suggest the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.

Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These medications are not typically used to treat anxiety by themselves however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy.

Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you manage your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps you develop the ability to confront negative, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. The process involves increasing the intensity of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be done either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, it takes time to demonstrate results. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. Others find that meds alone are sufficient to treat their symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor what you're doing to control your symptoms.

Other Medical Treatments

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed treatments for anxiety, other medications can help ease your symptoms as well. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.


These drugs correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can alleviate symptoms by reducing or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. They're not a panacea. You'll still need to do things to manage anxiety, like exercises relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychological therapy.

SSRIs or SNRIs are the first choice of anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. They are the most effective medications to treat anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, however these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't 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 drowsiness, dizziness, memory and coordination issues, and dependence. These are less popular than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.

Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially designed to help with allergies. However they also serve to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain and may cause an energizing effect. It is not a controlled drug and does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.

Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can be used to treat anxiety. They have been shown to decrease anxiety by blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. These medications can be prescribed as a part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They'll also discuss how long you should take them and any potential negative side effects. Anxiety medications are only available on prescription, which means that you'll need a psychiatrist to prescribe it.

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