Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you suffer from anxiety that is severe it is essential to seek help from a professional. Lifestyle changes, like reducing your stress and taking part in regular physical exercise are among the options for treatment. Your doctor may also suggest psychological therapy.
The FDA has approved several medicines for anxiety disorders, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, which impact the neurotransmitter serotonin. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, can reduce anxiety as well by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting on it. They function by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA blocks the function of nerves in the brain and spinal cord and helps reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms almost instantly unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to begin working. However, benzodiazepines carry high risks of abuse and dependence. The body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines after regular use. This could lead to physical dependence. Benzodiazepines can be an effective treatment when other options don't work or are not available.
It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They will be able help you determine the cause of your anxiety and suggest other treatments that may be more suitable. For example, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root of your anxiety and help you develop how to manage your anxiety.
Benzodiazepines aren't commonly utilized as the first choice for treating anxiety disorders because they can cause dangerous negative effects when they are combined with alcohol or other narcotics. They are also addictive, and carry a high chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, then followed by diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs carry the black-box warning that states they can cause life-threatening or serious side effects, like breathing problems and severe sleepiness.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant drugs that are typically the first choice of those suffering from anxiety. They boost the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, especially serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other important chemicals, such as those that control mood and sleep and lower stress hormones within the body. The most commonly prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is better known by its brand name Prozac. treatment for anxiety attacks include Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. These SNRIs include Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Experts aren't certain exactly what SSRIs do to treat anxiety, but they do know the drugs enhance the brain's function. They boost glial cell function (these are the brain cells that help, nourish, insulate and protect your neurons) they also increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and boost levels of serotonin itself. The precise mechanism of action isn't completely understood however it could involve the combination of several factors.
SSRIs like other types of medications, can take up to a month to start working. They require regular treatment in order to maintain their effectiveness. They can cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also lead to low sodium levels in some individuals, and may affect libido in some males. Your doctor will determine the length of time you should be taking them based on your symptoms and other treatments you're using. They may recommend that you continue taking them for a period of 6 to 12 months, or assist you to taper down and end the medication. They may also suggest other treatments, such as psychotherapy or supplements and herbs that treat anxiety-related symptoms, such as Vistaril for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blocks) prevent adrenaline from binding with your heart's receptors. This allows your heart to relax and lowers blood pressure. They are prescribed for anxiety and may be an alternative to conventional psychiatric drugs that have adverse effects.
Although beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root reasons behind your anxiety. They are typically used to control specific situations that cause anxiety, such as speaking in public and flying. They can be combined in conjunction with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a long-term daily medicine.
Because of the way they work beta blockers can cause several side effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. They can also cause you to feel shaky and sweaty. Certain people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lungs) or diabetes shouldn't use them.
Despite their side effects beta blockers are extensively studied and used. They have been on the market for decades and are considered safe for a majority of adults. They are relatively affordable and easily accessible. For many, the adverse effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Utilizing beta-blockers as part an treatment plan for anxiety is a great idea for those suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines, which are best for severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve your underlying problem and are best for people with short-term anxiety for instance, before a big event like the speech or flight. In addition to decreasing anxiety, they can help you sleep better and manage your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters like epinephrine and melatonin for transmission by preventing their breakdown in neurons. They are most well-known as effective antidepressants, and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other medications. They are also used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as various other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil that is found in the buds, leaves, and stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). In a test tube, Eugenol was proven to block MAOI activity and may interact negatively with these drugs.
MAOIs have serious side effects and aren't typically the first medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety or depression. Usually, they are reserved for patients who have failed to respond to other medications. They can also be used to treat a variety other disorders like Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia. They can cause low pressure when you get up from a seated or lying position. This is known as orthostatic hypertension.
MAOIs are used extensively to treat panic disorder as well as atypical depression and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has only a few studies on panic disorder and is the drug of choice for people suffering from atypical depression, whereas tranylcypromine has been praised for its positive adverse effects. These medications aren't as effective as SSRIs, but can be helpful in treating certain types depression and anxiety disorders.
The newest reversible MAOIs like selegiline and moclobemide, are less harmful than the more irreversible MAOIs. They are more effective in increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depression disorders than older MAOIs. They are less likely to cause a high blood pressure reaction however, they do carry some risk of developing dependence on drugs.
Buspirone
For patients with anxiety using a combination of medications and psychological therapy is typically the best option for treatment. The use of medication can reduce symptoms but only under the supervision of a physician. There are a variety of medications for anxiety, and they work differently in each person. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and he'll prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anti-anxiety medication that works by regulating the neurotransmitters serotonin as well as dopamine. It reduces anxiety and mood disorders without sedation. It's also less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives like benzodiazepines. This makes it a good choice for people who are looking to manage their anxiety but don't want to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are typically the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants are able to regulate mood and increase serotonin levels. They are usually used as a part of anxiety-related medications such as benzodiazepines. They aren't usually prescribed for long periods of time because they can be addictive and cause side effects such as drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD that include medication have proven to be effective in the short-term and can improve the results over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can help people learn strategies to control their depression and anxiety, which can help them manage their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Many of these treatments are accessible online, and some may be covered by your insurance. Brightside is one example. It is an online therapy program that provides CBT as well as other anxiety and depression treatments.