Why Treat Anxiety Is Fast Becoming The Trendiest Thing Of 2023?
Anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States. It’s highly 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 commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), including citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These medications can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder. It can take up to one month before they begin working.
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, however doctors also use other types 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 function a bit differently from SSRIs because they reduce the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine and serotonin, but at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications may take a few days to start taking effects, and also are more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating some anxiety disorders, including GAD. Their drowsiness, as well as other adverse effects, make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be used to combat anxiety. Their high risk of toxicity and dietary restrictions restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are often used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short-term, such as when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to kick in. These drugs can trigger tolerance addiction, sedation, and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Therapy is a vital part of any anxiety treatment plan. It aids you in better know your symptoms and their root causes. Many people find that both therapy and medication aid them cope with anxiety. Some studies suggest that cognitive behavior therapy is as effective as medications for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what’s best for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tight. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart rate, trembling or trembling) and help promote sleep.
The way they function is by binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutryic acid or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They increase the effects of GABA by activating its inhibitory effect on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages sent to the amygdala, which is the brain’s region which detects threats and gives the feeling of fear.
These medications are typically employed for short periods of time for instance, during panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They may help relieve symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Contrary to SSRIs, benzodiazepines don’t remain in the body for long. They’re fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations when you require quick relief (like on a plane flight or prior to giving a public presentation).
They are addictive, which is why it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to 4 weeks at one time. After that time they lose their effectiveness.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines became so popular is that they were effective and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are fast in the time to begin their action and are very effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants, as well as for muscle relaxants.
Benzos were blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 80s and included the denial of the disorder, as well as the belief that benzodiazepine treatment result in physical dependence. However, they continue to play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly in conjunction with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Benzos can interact with other medications and cause undesirable side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. 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 find out which medications are safe to take 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 a variety of antidepressants to treat other health conditions as well, including eating disorders, some types of pain, and bipolar disorder.
The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these medications may not be appropriate for everyone. If they don’t work doctors might consider a different type of antidepressant, known as tricyclic or tetracyclic an antidepressant. These include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but are still available. You can also ask your physician to prescribe the sedating antidepressant trazodone(Desyrel) at lower doses in case you are experiencing anxiety or sleep anxiety treatment problems.
Nefazodone, also known as Ferdinand (Cymbalta), and duloxetine may also be beneficial. These medications are also available in generic form. If they do not work, your doctor may suggest the 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 drugs aren’t usually used to treat generalized anxiety disorder anxiety on their own however they can be helpful when paired with psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can assist you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that can cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Depending on your condition, you might receive cognitive behavioural therapy or exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you to confront negative and fearful thoughts and overcome your fear of situations that trigger anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until you are able to manage the stressors. It can be carried out either in a group, or by yourself. In both instances, results can take a while to show. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best option for some people. Some people find that meds alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Discuss with your doctor how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
While benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed alternative treatments for anxiety for anxiety, other drugs can help alleviate your symptoms as well. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all sometimes prescribed to reduce anxiety.
These medications correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that trigger stress and fear. They’re not a panacea. You’ll still need to do other things to reduce your anxiety, including physical exercise or relaxation techniques, as well as psychological therapy.
Your doctor might initially prescribe one of the “first first” anxiety medications, which include SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs are typically found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These medications can cause mild side effects such as nausea and insomnia, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. In contrast to benzodiazepines, these are not addictive and won’t increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide and clonazepam (Valium) are a quick relief from panic and anxiety attacks. However, they may cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. They can also trigger problems with coordination and memory, and even dependence. These drugs are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective.
Antihistamines like Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally developed to relieve allergies. However, they are also used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine block histamine receptors within the brain, and can trigger a calming effect. It is not a controlled substance, so it doesn’t have the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.
Another type of medication that can help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They have been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the release and production of dopamine and serotonin. These medications can be prescribed as part of a combination therapy or used to treat anxiety in the short term. Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medicines are appropriate for you. They’ll also discuss the length of time you should take them and any potential side effects. Anxiety medications can only be purchased on prescription, so you’ll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get them.
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