Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so it's important to seek help if you have extreme anxiety. Lifestyle changes, like lessening your stress and engaging in regular physical activity, are among the treatment options. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy.
FDA approved a variety of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SSRIs and SNRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can also reduce anxiety by affecting the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that work on the nervous system to produce a calming effect. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA). GABA inhibits the activity of nerves within the brain and spinal cord and helps reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly, unlike antidepressants which may take weeks to begin working. However, benzodiazepines come with a high risk of dependency and abuse. The body gets used to benzodiazepines after regular use. This could lead to physical dependence. They can be a powerful treatment when other methods aren't working or aren't available.
Although benzodiazepines are a potent treatment for anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor before using them. natural ways to treat anxiety can assist you in determining the cause of your anxiety and also discuss other treatments that may be more suitable. For instance therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root cause of anxiety and help you develop coping skills.
Benzodiazepines don't typically come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have harmful effects when used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. They can also be addictive, and they have a high chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines came out in the 1950s with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs come with a black-box warning that states that they can cause serious or life-threatening side effects, such as breathing problems, severe sleepiness or coma and even death when combined in combination with opioids or illegal substances.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medications that is typically the first choice of those suffering from anxiety. They increase the levels of certain chemical messengers, such as serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other important chemicals, such as those that regulate sleep and mood, and reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs are Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs work to treat anxiety, they do know that these medications improve the way your brain functions. They boost BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, boost the number of glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect your neuronal cells), and increase serotonin levels. The exact mechanism of action isn't completely understood but it could be a combination of factors.
As with other medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to begin working and require regular treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They may cause adverse effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. Some men may notice a decline in libido or sodium levels. Your doctor will decide the length of time you must take them based upon your symptoms and other treatments you are using. They might recommend you keep taking them for 6 to 12 months or work with you to decrease the dosage and stop taking the medication. They might also suggest alternative treatments such as psychotherapy, herbal remedies and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used for itching, and chamomile to help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also known as beta-adrenergic blockers) block adrenaline's binding to your heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and decreases your blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety and may be an alternative to traditional medications for psychiatric disorders that can cause negative side effects.
Beta-blockers may help reduce anxiety-related physical symptoms, but they don't tackle the psychological stress-related causes. They are generally employed to control specific situations that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or flying. They can be utilized in combination with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder or used on their own as a long-term daily medication.
Due to the way they work beta blockers can have various adverse effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia. They can cause you to feel shaky and sweaty. Certain people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes shouldn't use them.
Beta blockers are extensively researched and utilized despite their negative effects. They've been in the market since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. They're also reasonably priced and accessible compared to other drugs. For many, the negative side effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers as a part of an treatment plan for anxiety is a great idea for those with moderate to mild anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines which are best for those suffering from life-threatening or severe anxiety disorders. They will not fix the underlying issue and are best used to ease anxiety in the short term, like prior to an important event, such as the flight or speech. In addition to reducing anxiety, they can help you sleep better and manage your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They prevent the breakdown of serotonin, the melatonin hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the neurons and increase their availability for transmission. They are primarily known as effective antidepressants, and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used as a stand-alone or in combination with other medications. They are also used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as other conditions. Eugenol, an essential oil, is found in the bud, leaves, and stems of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the bark of cinnamon. Eugenol has been found to inhibit MAOI in a test tube and could interact with these medications.
MAOIs have severe side effects and aren't typically the first medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety or depression. They are typically prescribed to patients who have not had a response to other medications. They can also be used to treat many other disorders such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low blood pressure when standing from a lying or sitting position, which is called orthostatic hypotension.
The most common MAOIs are phenelzine tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine has been studied in a small way in panic disorder and is the medication of choice for atypical depression, while tranylcypromine is been recommended for its favorable side effects. These drugs are not as effective as SSRIs, but can be helpful in treating certain types anxiety and depression disorders.
The newer reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide are more secure than the more irreversible MAOIs. They are also more effective than the older MAOIs in boosting the levels of monoamines involved in depressive disorders. They are less likely to cause hypertension, but they still carry some risk of developing pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the best way to manage anxiety. The use of medication can ease symptoms but only when under the supervision of a physician. There are many medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They can work differently for each individual. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and he'll prescribe the right medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved drug, works by modulating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It can reduce anxiety and mood disorders without the feeling of sedation. It is less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great choice for people who are looking to manage their anxiety, but do not want to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants are able to regulate mood and boost serotonin levels. They are usually prescribed along with anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. They aren't usually prescribed for long periods of time because they are addictive and can cause negative side effects, such as drowsiness.
Apart from medication as well as psychological treatments for GAD have been shown to be effective in the short run and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and art therapy or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can help patients discover ways to better manage their anxiety and depression. This can allow them to live a more fulfilling life and manage symptoms. In addition that a lot of these treatments are now accessible online and could be covered by insurance. For example, Brightside is an online therapy service that offers a range of anxiety and depression treatments that include CBT.