Why Treat Anxiety Is Harder Than You Think
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Anxiety affects 40 million people in the United States. There are a variety of medications available to treat it.
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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.
SSRIs
The most popular anxiety medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). These drugs also treat depression and can ease symptoms associated with other anxiety disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They can take up to a month to start working.
These drugs are effective by increasing the quantity of certain chemical transmitters in the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, though doctors also employ 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, however at a lower level than SSRIs. These medicines can take a while to take effects, and they tend to be more expensive than SSRIs.
Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine Tofranil are effective for treating anxiety in bipolar disorder anxiety disorders. However their drowsiness and other adverse reactions make them less popular. Another form of antidepressant is monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to treat anxiety. They are a high risk of toxicity and restrictions on diets restrict their use.
Benzodiazepines are frequently used to treat anxiety and panic attacks in the short-term like when you wait for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can cause dependence tolerance, sedation, and tolerance as well as withdrawal symptoms such a rebound anxiety, depression, and delirium. Benzodiazepines are commonly found in alprazolam as well as clonazepam and lorazepam.
Therapy is a crucial component of a treatment plan for anxiety panic attack natural treatment as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that both therapy and medication help them manage their anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to determine what is the best option for you.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have a calming effect they reduce anxiety and relax muscles that are tense. They also relieve symptoms of fear-related bodily stimulation (like heart racing or shaking) and encourage sleep.
They function by binding to inhibitory neurons, such as GABA or gamma aminobutryic acids, at receptors within the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effects of GABA on other neurotransmitters, and reducing the number of messages that are sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that evaluates the threat and triggers a feeling of anxiety.
These medicines are often used for short periods like panic attacks or an anxiety episodes. They may relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes. Benzodiazepines are, in contrast to SSRIs do not stay in the body for a long time. They're fast-acting and usually take effect in just a couple of hours, making them suitable for situations where immediate relief is required (like during an airplane flight or before giving an address in public).
Since they can be addictive, people are usually only prescribed them for up to four weeks at a time. After that, they also become less effective.
One of the main reasons benzodiazepines are so popular is that they are efficient and have fewer side effects compared to their predecessors like barbiturates and meprobamate. They are effective and have a rapid onset, and can be employed as anxiolytics to decrease anxiety. They can also be used as sedatives, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.
Benzos are often blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the denial of the disorder and the perception that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. However however, benzodiazepines still play a significant role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when they are combined with psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapies.
Benzos can interact with other medications, causing undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and disorientation. It is important to inform your doctor know about any other prescription, non-prescription, or herbal medication you're currently considering or taking. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of medication interactions to find out what medications are safe with benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can help ease anxiety and other mental health 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 issues, such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain types of pain.
Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, but these medications might not be suitable for everyone. If the antidepressants do not work, the doctor may try an older version known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. These include amitriptyline and nortriptyline, clomipramine and trimipramine, doxepin and dothiepin or imipramine. These antidepressants are less common but they are still accessible. Your doctor may also prescribe the antidepressant that sedates, trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety treatment uk.
Nefazodone, a.k.a Ferdinand (Cymbalta) and duloxetine are also beneficial. They are also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor can try the antidepressant that is sedating, mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.
Beta blockers are used to treat 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 effective if used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you to control your anxiety, and develop coping strategies. Based on the severity of your condition, exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy could be suggested. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you to confront fears and thoughts that are harmful, and to overcome your aversion to situations that cause anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety-inducing situations until they can be managed. This can be done individually or in smaller groups. In both instances, the results will take time to manifest. Some people believe that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best choice. Some people find that medication alone is enough to control symptoms. Inform your doctor about how you manage your symptoms.
Other Medicines
Other medications can aid in relieving your symptoms. Beta blockers, antihistamines, and buspirone are all prescribed to ease anxiety.
These medications correct an imbalance in the brain's chemicals and can ease your symptoms by lowering or blocking the signals that trigger stress and fear. However, they'ren't an all-in-one solution. You will still have to take steps natural ways to treat anxiety attacks control anxiety, such as physical exercise, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.
SSRIs or SNRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe. These are the most effective drugs for treating anxiety disorders according to research studies. SSRIs are usually found in sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. These drugs can cause mild side effects such as insomnia and nausea, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They are not addictive, and they do not increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepoxide (Valium) provide immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks, but they can have side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness and coordination problems, and dependence. They're less well-known than the older barbiturates, but they're just as efficient.
Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were initially created to treat allergies. However they can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine can have a calming affect by blocking histamine receptors. It is not a controlled drug, so it does not have the same risk of addiction as benzodiazepines.
Anticonvulsants are a different kind of medication that can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been proven to reduce anxiety through blocking the production and release dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or as a short-term treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and health history to determine if these drugs are right for you. They will also discuss the length of time you'll need to take these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available by prescription, which means that it is necessary to see a psychiatrist to prescribe it.