Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you are suffering from anxiety that is severe, it is important to seek professional help. Changes in your lifestyle, such as decreasing your stress levels and taking part in regular physical exercise are among the treatment options. Your doctor may recommend psychological therapy.
FDA approved a range of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs which affect the neurotransmitter serotonin. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can decrease anxiety by affecting GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting on it. They work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) in the brain. GABA reduces nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord and helps to reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to work. They are high-risk substances for abuse and dependence. The body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines following regular use. This could result in physical dependence. Despite the risk, benzodiazepines can be a successful treatment for anxiety when other methods aren't available or do not provide relief.
It is important to consult your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They will be able to assist you in determining the root of your anxiety, and also discuss other options that may be more appropriate. For instance the use of talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help to address the root cause of anxiety and help you develop coping skills.
Benzodiazepines do not usually come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders because they can cause dangerous effects when combined with other substances or alcohol. They are also addicting and carry a high risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines were released in the 1950s with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs come with a black box warning, indicating that they can cause serious or life-threatening side effects, such as severe sleepiness, breathing problems, coma, and death if used in conjunction in combination with opioids or illegal substances.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant medications, and they're the first choice for a lot of people suffering from anxiety. They boost the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, especially serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other important chemicals like those that control mood and sleep and decrease stress hormones within the body. The most commonly prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, better known under the brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs are Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. medication to treat anxiety are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't quite sure what SSRIs do to alleviate anxiety but they do know that these medications improve the way your brain functions. They improve the function of glial cells (these are the brain cells that nourish, support nourish, insulate, and protect your neurons) and increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and boost levels of serotonin itself. It's not clear what the exact mechanism of these supplements is however, it could be a combination of different factors.
Similar to other types of medicines, SSRIs can take 1 month to kick in, and they require regular treatment to maintain the benefits. They can cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also result in low sodium levels in a few individuals, and may alter libido of certain men. Your provider will decide the time frame you should use them, based on your condition and other treatments you're using. They may recommend that you keep taking them for 6 to 12 months, or assist you to taper down and stop taking the medication. They may also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy, herbs and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile can help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blocks) stop adrenaline from binding to your heart's receptors. They relax your heart and reduces your blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and are an excellent alternative to traditional psychotropic medications that have some side effects.
Beta-blockers may help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the mental stress-related causes. Typically, they are used to control specific situations which trigger anxiety such as public speaking and flying. They can be used in conjunction with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a daily medication for long-term use.
Beta blockers can cause a variety of side effects due to their method of working, which includes hypotension, bradycardia and various other conditions. You might also feel shakey or sweaty. Certain people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes should not take them.
Beta blockers are commonly researched and utilized despite their side effects. They've been available since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. They're also reasonably priced and accessible compared to other drugs. For many people who are concerned about the risk of side effects is a worthwhile trade-off in order to maximize their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers as a part of 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 better for those suffering from life-threatening or severe anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve your underlying problem and are ideal for anxiety that is short-term, such as prior to major events like the speech or flight. They can help you sleep better, and they can control your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, such as the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by preventing their breakdown in neurons. They are mostly employed as antidepressants, however they also show some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with other medications. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil found in the bud, leaf, and the stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Eugenol has been found to have MAOI inhibitory activity in a test tube, and could interact with these drugs.
MAOIs can have severe side effects, and therefore they aren't the first medications that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. They are typically prescribed to patients who have not responded to other medicines. They can also be used to treat a variety other disorders such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can lead to low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying in a sitting position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
MAOIs are commonly used to treat panic disorder as well as atypical depression and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used to treat atypical anxiety and depression. It has limited research on panic disorder. These drugs are not as effective as SSRIs for most patients, but they can be useful in treating certain types of anxiety and depression.
The newest reversible MAOIs like selegiline or moclobemide, are safer than the more irreversible MAOIs. They are more effective in increasing monoamine levels involved in depression than older MAOIs. They are less likely to trigger an increase in blood pressure however, they do carry some risk of developing pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
Combining therapy with medication is the best method to manage anxiety. The use of medications can reduce symptoms but only when under the supervision of a medical professional. There are a variety of medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They may be different for each person. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and he will prescribe the best medication for you.
Buspirone, an FDA-approved anxiety medication, works by regulating neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This helps reduce mood and anxiety symptoms, but it doesn't cause sedation or interfere with cognitive function. It is less likely to be more habit-forming than other sedatives, such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a good option for people looking to reduce their anxiety but don't wish to use a drug like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants are able to regulate mood and boost serotonin levels. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with anxiety medication like benzodiazepines. They are rarely prescribed for long periods of time because they can be addictive and have negative side effects, such as drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD such as medication have shown to be efficient on a short-term basis and can improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exposure therapy, and art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can assist people discover ways to better manage depression and anxiety. This will allow them to live a more fulfilling life and manage symptoms. In addition that a lot of these treatments are now accessible online and are covered by insurance. Brightside, for example, is an online therapy program that provides CBT and other depression and anxiety treatments.