Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so it's crucial to seek help if you have extreme anxiety. Changes in your lifestyle, such as reducing your stress and taking part in regular physical exercise, are among the treatment options. Your doctor may suggest psychological therapy.
The FDA has approved several medications for anxiety disorders, including SSRIs and SNRIs, which impact the neurotransmitter serotonin. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, can also reduce anxiety by affecting the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to create an calming effect. They work by increasing effects of a brain neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks nerve activity in the brain and spine cord, and aids in reducing anxiety.
Unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working, benzodiazepines have the ability to reduce anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes. These are highly-risk medications for abuse and dependence. This is because the body adjusts to benzodiazepines by regular use which can lead to physical dependency. The use of benzodiazepines is a successful treatment when other methods don't work or are not available.
It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They can assist you in determining the cause of your anxiety, and suggest alternative treatments that may be more suitable. For instance, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help address the root of anxiety and help you develop coping skills.
Benzodiazepines aren't usually the first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have dangerous effects when used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. They are also addictive and have a high overdose risk. The first benzodiazepines were introduced in the 1950s, with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these medications come with a black-box warning that warns that they can cause serious or life-threatening adverse effects such as extreme sleepiness, breathing issues as well as coma and death if used in conjunction together with opioids or other illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant medications and are the first choice for many people suffering from anxiety. These medications increase levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, especially serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other crucial chemicals, like those that regulate mood and sleep and lower the levels of stress hormones within your body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs are Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. These SNRIs include Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't certain how SSRIs can help treat anxiety, they do know that these drugs enhance the way your brain functions. They increase BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of the glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect your neuronal cells) and boost serotonin levels. It's not known what the precise mechanism of action of these supplements is, but it could be a combination of different factors.
As with other medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to kick in and require frequent treatment to maintain the benefits. They may cause negative effects like nausea and diarrhea. Some men may experience a decrease in libido or sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you need to take them, based on your condition and other treatments you're taking. They may recommend that you continue taking them for 6 to 12 months or work with you to reduce or end the medication. They might also suggest other therapies, like psychotherapy or supplements and herbs that can treat anxiety-related symptoms such as Vistaril for itching or the chamomile herb to help sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also known as beta-adrenergic blockers) prevent adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and decreases your blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and can be a great alternative to traditional psychotropic medications that have some adverse effects.
Beta-blockers can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't tackle the psychological causes of stress. Typically, they are employed to deal with certain situations that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking and flying. They may be utilized in conjunction with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder, or on their own as long-term daily medication.
Because of the way they work, beta blockers may cause a number of negative effects, including hypotension and bradycardia. They can cause you to feel shaken and sweaty. Certain people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lungs) or diabetes shouldn't take them.
Despite the negative side effects, beta blockers are still widely used and studied. They've been available for decades and are considered to be safe for adults. They are also fairly inexpensive and accessible compared to other medications. For many, the risk of side effects is a good trade-off in order to maximize their effectiveness.
Taking beta-blockers as part of an treatment plan for anxiety is a great idea for people suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are the best choice for severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve your underlying problem and are best for short-term anxiety like prior to a major event such as an airplane flight or speech. They can help you sleep better, and they can control your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters like the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by blocking their breakdown in neurons. They are typically employed as antidepressants, however they also have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be used alone or in conjunction with other medication. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as certain other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil found in bud, leaf and stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Eugenol has been found to inhibit MAOI in a test tube and could interact with these drugs.
MAOIs can have serious side effects, so they aren't the first medications that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for people who have not been able to respond to other medications. They also help manage a range of other disorders, including Fibromyalgia and Parkinson's disease. They can lead to low blood pressure when standing in a sitting or lying in a sitting position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
Common MAOIs include phenelzine isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has small studies in panic disorder and is the medication of choice for atypical depression, while tranylcypromine is been recommended for its favorable adverse effects. These medications aren't as powerful as SSRIs however they can be helpful in treating certain types depression and anxiety disorders.
The older MAOIs may not be as secure as the more recent reversible MAOIs such Moclobemide and Selegiline. They are also more effective than older MAOIs in increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depressive disorders. They are less likely than older MAOIs to trigger high blood pressure, however they still have a chance of developing a dependence on pharmacological drugs.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the best way to manage anxiety. The use of medication can alleviate symptoms however they should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. There are many medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They can work differently for each individual. Discuss with your doctor about your anxiety and he will prescribe the best medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by regulating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It can reduce anxiety and mood disorders without the feeling of sedation. It is less likely to be addictive than other sedatives like benzodiazepines. This makes it a good choice for those trying to control their anxiety but don't need to take a drug such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that boost a person's serotonin levels and help regulate mood. They are usually prescribed as a part of anxiety-related medications like benzodiazepines. They aren't usually prescribed for prolonged durations of time due to the fact that they are addictive and can cause side effects such as drowsiness.
Besides medication, psychological treatments for GAD have been proven to be efficient in the short-term and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can help patients learn techniques to better manage depression and anxiety. This can allow them to live a more full life and manage their symptoms. In addition that many of these treatments are available online and may be covered by insurance. Brightside for instance, is an online therapy program that provides CBT and other treatments for depression and anxiety.