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Meds That Treat Anxiety Anxiety is among the most frequent mental health conditions which affects more than 40 million people in the United States. A variety of medications are 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. Contrary 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 drugs also help with depression, and can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It could take up to a month for them to start working. They help by increasing the levels of certain chemical transmitters within the brain. This includes serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. These drugs are usually the first option to treat anxiety, though doctors may prescribe other forms of antidepressants, also known as benzodiazepines. Another class of antidepressants, called 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 of norepinephrine as well as serotonin, although at lower levels than SSRIs. These medications take a lengthy time to take effect and are more expensive than SSRIs. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as imipramine (Tofranil), are effective in treating certain anxiety disorders, notably GAD. However, their drowsiness and other adverse effects are what make them less popular. Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that can be used to combat anxiety. However, their strict dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity limit their usage. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety in the short term for instance, when waiting for SSRIs or SNRIs to take effect. These medications can cause tolerance and addiction, sedation and apathy, and withdrawal reactions that may cause anxiety, depression and even delusions. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan). Therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for anxiety as it can help you learn more about your symptoms and the causes. Many people find that therapy and medication both help them cope. Certain studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as anxiety medications. Talk with your physician about your options and what might be best for you. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines create an calming effect, reduce anxiety and relax muscles. They also alleviate symptoms of bodily stress related to fear (like heart rate, trembling or trembling), and promote sleep. They work by binding inhibitory neurons, for example GABA or gamma aminobutryic acid at receptors in the central nervous system. cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety enhance the effects of GABA by increasing its inhibitory effects on other neurotransmitters while reducing the amount of messages that are sent to the amygdala, a region of the brain that detects threats and creates the feeling of fear. These medications are sometimes employed for short periods of time like an attack of panic or a severe 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 long. They're fast-acting and can work within a few hours. This makes them suitable for situations where immediate relief is needed (such as on an airplane or before giving a presentation in public). They are addictive, and it is recommended to only prescribe them for up to four weeks at one time. After that time they also become less effective. One of the reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors, like meprobamate and barbiturates. They are fast in the start of action and are extremely effective as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), sedatives and anticonvulsants as well as as muscle relaxants. Benzos have been blamed for the negative attitudes towards anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment causes physical dependence. Despite this, benzodiazepines continue to play a significant role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies. Benzos can interact with other medications and trigger unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness or confusion. You should tell your doctor about any prescription, nonprescription or herbal medication you are currently taking or plan to take. Take a look at the British National Formulary A to Z list of interactions with medications to find out what medications are safe when taken with benzodiazepines. Antidepressants Antidepressants can reduce 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 conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain. The majority of doctors prescribe SSRIs as the first line treatment for anxiety, however these drugs may not be suitable for everyone. If these antidepressants aren't working doctors may suggest an older form of medication known as a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, as well as Clomipramine. These antidepressants aren't as common but they are still available. Your doctor may prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, trazodone (Desyrel) at lower doses for anxiety or sleep. Other antidepressants that can help are the nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). They are also available in generic form. If they don't work your doctor, he may suggest the antipsychotics quetiapine and olanzapine or the sedative antidepressant Mirtazapine. Medications for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers, which decrease the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the actions of adrenaline. These drugs are not usually used to treat anxiety alone however they can be effective when combined with psychotherapy. Psychological therapy can help you change negative thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety. It can help you control your anxiety and learn coping skills. Depending on your situation, you may receive exposure or cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, fearful thoughts and to overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations until are able to handle them. It can be done either individually or in smaller groups. In both cases, it takes time to achieve results. Some people believe that a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best option. However, others discover that medications alone are sufficient to control their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms. Other Medical Treatments Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are the most common treatment for anxiety, other drugs can ease your symptoms too. Beta blockers and antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to relieve anxiety. These drugs correct an imbalance in your brain chemicals and can alleviate your symptoms by reducing or blocking signals that cause you stress and fear. They are not a panacea. You'll still have to do other things to manage your anxiety, including exercises or relaxation techniques, as well as psychotherapy. Your doctor may first prescribe one of the “first choice” anxiety medications, which are SSRIs and SNRIs. According to research, these drugs are the most effective in treating anxiety disorders. The most commonly used SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro). These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but these tend to subside within 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive, and they don't increase the risk of suicidal ideas. The benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepoxide, and clonazepam (Valium) offer immediate relief from anxiety and panic attacks. However, they could cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. They may also cause memory and coordination issues, and may even cause dependence. These drugs are less popular than the older barbiturates, but they are equally effective. Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However they can also be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain and may cause the body to relax. It's not a controlled drug, so it doesn't have the same addiction risks like benzodiazepines. Anticonvulsants are another type of medication which can aid in reducing anxiety. They have been shown to reduce anxiety by inhibiting the production of and release of dopamine and sérotonin. They may be prescribed in combination with other drugs or as a temporary treatment for anxiety. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to determine if these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the duration of time you'll need these medications as well as any possible negative side effects that might occur. Anxiety medication is only available on prescription, so you'll need to visit a psychiatrist to get them.