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Meds That Treat AnxietyAnxiety affects 40 million adults 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. They're not addictive, as are benzodiazepines.SSRIsThe most commonly used anxiety medication is selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) comprising citalopram, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. These drugs can also be used to treat depression and relieve symptoms of other anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder. They may take up to a month for them to start working.These drugs increase the amount of certain chemical messengers within the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. They are usually the first option for anxiety, but doctors also use other types of antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines.Antidepressants such as duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor) are also used to treat anxiety. They are a bit different from SSRIs because they decrease norepinephrine, however at a lower level than SSRIs. These medications take a long time to be effective 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 as well as other adverse effects make them less popular. Another kind of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can also be used to combat anxiety. However, their dietary restrictions and the risk of toxicity restrict their use.Benzodiazepines are often 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 trigger dependence, tolerance, and sedation, as well as withdrawal symptoms such as a rebound anxiety, depression and delirium. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin) and lorazepam (Ativan).Therapy is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan. It helps you to better understand your symptoms and their reasons. Many people discover that medication and therapy help them to cope. In fact, some studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy is as effective as medication for anxiety. Consult your physician to find out what's best for you.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines produce a calming effect, decrease anxiety and relax tense muscles. They also ease symptoms of bodily arousal due to fear (like heart rate, trembling and shaking) and encourage sleep.The way they work is through binding to inhibitory neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutryic acid, or GABA and interacting with receptors in the central nervous system. They enhance GABA's effects by facilitating the inhibitory effect of GABA on other neurotransmitters and by reducing the volume of messages sent to the amygdala. This is a region of the brain that is able to detect threats and produces a feeling of fear.These medicines are often employed for short periods of time for instance, during a panic attack or severe anxiety episodes. They may help relieve the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking them. Unlike meds that treat anxiety I Am Psychiatry don't stay in the body for long. They're quick-acting and can be effective within a few hours. This makes them perfect for situations in which quick relief is required (such as on an airplane or prior to presenting in public).They are addictive, which is why people are usually prescribed them for up to four weeks at one time. After that period they also lose their effectiveness.One of the main reasons the benzodiazepines became so well-known is that they worked and had few side effects when compared with their predecessors, like meprobamate or barbiturates. 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 have been blamed for the negative perceptions of anxiety that developed in the 1970s and 1980s. This included the trivialization of the disorder and the belief that benzodiazepine treatment can lead to physical dependence. Despite this, benzodiazepines continue to play a major role in the treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly when combined with psychosocial interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapies.Benzos may interact with other medications and trigger undesirable side effects like drowsiness or confusion. It is essential to inform your doctor be aware of any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines you are considering or taking. You can find out which medications are safe to take with benzodiazepines by looking up the British National Formulary A-Z list of medication interactions.AntidepressantsAntidepressants can be 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, such as bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and certain types of pain.Most doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety, but these drugs may not be appropriate for all people. If they aren't working doctors can look at the more traditional antidepressant known as a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant. This includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline, clomipramine, dothiepin, doxepin, trimipramine or imipramine. They're less popular than the newer antidepressants, but still available. Your doctor can prescribe the antidepressant with a sedating effect, Trazodone (Desyrel) in lower doses for sleep or anxiety.Other antidepressants that may help include nefazodone (Ferdinand) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). These medications are also available in generic forms. If they don't work, your doctor can try the tranquilizing antidepressant mirtazapine (Remeron) or the antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine.Treatments for other anxiety disorders include beta blockers that reduce the heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the action of adrenaline. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat anxiety on their own, but can be helpful when paired with psychological therapy.Psychotherapy can help you to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It can help you learn to control your anxiety, and build coping skills. Based on the severity of your problem exposure therapy or cognitive behavior therapy might be recommended. Cognitive behavioural therapy assists you to learn to challenge unhelpful, fearful thoughts and overcome avoidance of situations that trigger your anxiety. Exposure therapy involves increasing the level of anxiety provoking situations until they can be managed. It can be done in a group or on your own. In both cases, results will take time to manifest. A combination of medication and psychological therapy is the best choice for some people. Some people find that medication alone is sufficient to treat their symptoms. Tell your doctor how you manage your symptoms.Other Medical TreatmentsOther medications can also aid in relieving your symptoms. Antihistamines and beta blockers are often prescribed to alleviate anxiety.These drugs can help you ease your symptoms, by reducing or blocking the signals that cause stress and fear. But, they're not the only solution. You'll have to take steps to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques and psychotherapy.Your doctor may first prescribe one of the "first choices" anxiety medication, which includes SSRIs and SNRIs. They are the most effective medications for treating anxiety disorders, according to research studies. SSRIs are commonly found in sertraline (Zoloft) and Citropram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram. These drugs can cause minor side effects, such as insomnia and nausea, but these usually subside in 4-8 weeks. They aren't addictive and they don't 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 adverse effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and coordination issues, as well as dependence. These medications are less well-known than older barbiturates, however they are equally effective.Antihistamines, such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) were originally designed to help with allergies. However, they are also used to reduce anxiety symptoms. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine receptors in the brain, and can trigger the body to relax. It's not a controlled drug and therefore doesn't carry the same addiction risks as benzodiazepines.Another kind of medication that may help with anxiety is a class called anticonvulsants. They've been shown to relieve anxiety by interfering with the release and production of serotonin and dopamine. These medications are often prescribed as part of an integrated therapy or to treat anxiety in the short-term. Your doctor will evaluate your health history and symptoms to determine whether these medications are appropriate for you. They will also discuss the length of time you should take these medications and any side effects that may occur. Anxiety medication is only available with a prescription, so you'll need to see a psychiatrist before you can get these medications.