Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you are suffering from anxiety that is severe it is essential to seek out professional help. Treatment options include lifestyle changes such as decreasing stress and engaging in regular exercise. Your doctor may suggest psychological therapy.
The FDA has approved several medications for anxiety disorders, including SSRIs and SNRIs, which affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, can also reduce anxiety by affecting the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting on it. They work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA reduces nerve activity in the spine and brain cord, and aids in reducing anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are able to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly, unlike antidepressants which may take weeks to begin working. However, benzodiazepines have high risks of dependency and abuse. This is due to the fact that the body adjusts to benzodiazepines through regular use which can lead to physical dependency. Despite the dangers, benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety when other methods aren't readily available or do not offer relief.
Although benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety, it is important to speak with your doctor prior to using them. They will be able to help you identify the root of your anxiety and suggest other options that may be more appropriate. For example the use of talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root cause of your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping.
Benzodiazepines are not typically used as first-choice medications for anxiety disorders, as they can cause serious negative effects when they are combined with alcohol or other narcotics. They are also addictive, and have a significant risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, followed by diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam, (Ativan). All of these medications come with a black-box warning, indicating that they may cause serious or life-threatening side effects including breathing problems, severe sleepiness, coma, and death when combined with opioids or illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a category of antidepressant drugs that are usually the first choice for those suffering from anxiety. These medications boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, including serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also aid in the regulation of other important chemicals, like those that regulate sleep and mood, and reduce the levels of stress hormones within your body. The most commonly prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, better known under the brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil and SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't certain how SSRIs can help alleviate anxiety, they do know that these meds improve the way your brain functions. They increase BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, boost glial cells (brain cells that help nourish and protect your neuronal cells) and boost serotonin levels. It's not known what the exact mechanism of these supplements is however it could be a combination of factors.
Similar to other types of medicines, SSRIs can take 1 month to begin working and require frequent treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They can cause side reactions, like diarrhea and nausea. Some men may experience a decrease in libido and sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the duration of time that you must take them based upon your symptoms as well as any other treatments you're using. how anxiety is treated may advise you to keep taking them for a period of 6 to 12 months or work with you to reduce or end the medication. They might also suggest alternative treatments such as psychotherapy, herbs, and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blockers, prevent adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. They relax your heart and lowers your blood pressure. They are prescribed for anxiety and may be an alternative to conventional psychotropic drugs that can have negative side effects.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not tackle the psychological causes of stress. They are typically employed to deal with specific situations that cause anxiety, such as public speaking and flying. They may be used 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 various adverse effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia. They can cause you to feel shaky and sweaty. Certain people suffering from asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or diabetes shouldn't be taking them.
Beta blockers are widely researched and utilized despite their negative effects. They've been on the market for decades and are considered safe for adults. They are also fairly inexpensive and readily available compared to other drugs. For many, the adverse effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Utilizing beta-blockers as part an treatment for anxiety is a good option for those suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines which are more suitable for people who suffer from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. But they aren't able to solve your underlying problem and are best for short-term anxiety, such as before a big event like an airplane flight or speech. In addition to decreasing anxiety, they can also help you sleep better and regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, such as melatonin and epinephrine for transmission by blocking their breakdown in neurons. They are primarily known as effective antidepressants and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used as a single drug or together. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease and various other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil that is found in the the bud, leaf, and the stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Eugenol has been proven to have MAOI inhibitory activity in a test tube and could interact with these medications.
MAOIs can cause serious side effects, so they are not the primary medications that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. Usually, they are reserved for patients who have failed to respond to other treatments. They can also be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as Fibromyalgia and Parkinson's disease. They can cause low pressure when you rise from a seated or lying position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
MAOIs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used to treat an atypical form of anxiety and depression. It has a few studies on panic disorder. These drugs are not as potent as SSRIs, but can be useful in treating certain kinds of anxiety and depression disorders.
The older MAOIs are not as safe as the newer REVERSIBLE MAOIs like Moclobemide and Selegiline. They are more effective at increasing the monoamine levels in depression than older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs to cause high blood pressure, but there is a risk of developing a dependence on pharmacological drugs.
Buspirone
For patients with anxiety, a combination of medication and psychological therapies is usually the best option for treatment. Certain medications can ease symptoms however they should be used only under the supervision of a physician. There are many different medicines for anxiety, and they perform differently for each individual. Discuss with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and he or she will prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
Buspirone, an FDA-approved anxiety drug, works by altering neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It reduces mood and anxiety symptoms without the feeling of sedation. It's also less likely to be habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to reduce their anxiety, but don't wish to take drugs like Xanax.
SSRIs or SNRIs are usually the first treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder. These antidepressants are able to regulate mood and increase levels of serotonin. They are usually prescribed along with anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. They are rarely prescribed for prolonged periods of time as they can be addictive and cause negative side effects, such as drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD, including medication, have proven to be effective on a short-term basis and may improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can help people learn techniques to better manage their anxiety and depression. This can allow them to live a more full life and manage symptoms. In addition, many of these treatments are now available online and may be covered by insurance. For instance, Brightside is an online therapy service that provides various depression and anxiety treatments including CBT.