Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you suffer from severe anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment options include lifestyle changes like decreasing stress and engaging in regular physical exercise. 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 are 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 the activity of nerves within the spinal cord and brain and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety.
Contrary to antidepressants, which may take weeks to begin working, benzodiazepines are able to alleviate anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes. Benzodiazepines are high-risk drugs for abuse and dependence. The body gets used to benzodiazepines after regular use. This can lead to physical dependence. They can be a powerful treatment if other methods do not work or are not available.
It is important to consult your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They can assist you in determining the root of your anxiety and discuss other treatments that may be more appropriate. Talking therapies like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and more can help you to address the root causes of your anxiety. They will also teach you coping techniques.
Benzodiazepines aren't typically utilized as the first choice for treating anxiety disorders because they can cause dangerous side effects when combined with alcohol or other substances. They can also be addictive, and they have a high chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines were released in the 1950s, with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these medications have a black box warning that warns that they may cause serious or life-threatening side effects including breathing problems, severe sleepiness, coma, and death when combined 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 with anxiety. They boost the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, especially serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other crucial chemicals like those that control mood and sleep, and reduce stress hormones in the body. The most frequently prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, better known under the brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil as well as SNRIs such as Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs treat anxiety but they do know that the medications enhance the brain's function. pills to treat anxiety boost BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of glial cells (brain cells that help nourish and protect neurons), and increase serotonin levels. The exact mechanism behind this action isn't understood fully however it could involve a combination of factors.
Similar to other types of medicines, SSRIs can take 1 month to begin working and require regular treatment to keep the benefits. They can trigger side reactions, like diarrhea and nausea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido or sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the time frame you need to take them, depending on your condition and other treatments you're taking. They might recommend you continue to use them for 6 to 12 months, or assist you to taper down and stop taking the medication. They might also suggest other therapies, like psychotherapy, herbs and supplements that treat anxiety-related symptoms like Vistaril for itching, or Chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blocks) stop adrenaline from binding with your heart's receptors. They relax the heart and lowers blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety and can be a great alternative to traditional medication for psychiatric disorders that can have adverse effects.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't tackle the psychological causes of stress. They are typically used to manage certain situations that cause anxiety, like public speaking or flying. They may be used in conjunction with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder or used on their own as long-term daily medication.
Because of their method of operation, beta blockers can have various side effects, including hypotension and bradycardia. You may also feel shaky or sweaty. Certain people suffering from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lungs) or diabetes should not take them.
Beta blockers are commonly studied and used despite the negative side effects. They've been on market for a long time and are considered safe for most adults. They're also relatively inexpensive and readily available compared to other drugs. For many people, the risk of side effects is worth the trade-off to their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are an excellent option for mild to moderate anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines, which are best for those who suffer from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve your underlying problem and are best for short-term anxiety for instance, prior to a major event such as a speech or flight. They can help you sleep better and can help regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters such as the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by stopping their breakdown in neurons. They are best known as effective antidepressants and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications. They can also be utilized to treat Parkinson's disease and 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). Eugenol has been shown to inhibit MAOI in a test tube and could interact with these medications.
MAOIs can have serious side effects and aren't usually the first medicine that doctors prescribe for depression or anxiety. They are typically prescribed to those who haven't been able to respond to other medications. They can also be used to treat a variety other disorders, such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low blood pressure when standing from a lying or sitting in a sitting position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
The most common MAOIs are phenelzine tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine has small studies in panic disorder and is the medication of choice for people suffering from atypical depression, while tranylcypromine has been recommended for its favorable adverse effects. These drugs are not as powerful as SSRIs, but can be useful in treating certain kinds of depression and anxiety disorders.
The older MAOIs may not be as secure as the more recent REVERSIBLE MAOIs like Moclobemide and Selegiline. They are more effective at increasing monoamine levels involved in depression disorders than the older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs to cause high blood pressure, however they still carry a risk of developing pharmacological dependency.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the most effective way to manage anxiety. The use of medication can alleviate symptoms however they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. There are many medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They may work differently for each individual. To determine the best medication for you, talk to your doctor and explain your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety medication that works by altering the neurotransmitters serotonin as well as dopamine. It reduces mood and anxiety symptoms without the feeling of sedation. It is less likely to be addictive than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a good choice for people who want to reduce their anxiety but don't wish to use a drug like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that increase the levels of serotonin and help regulate mood. They are typically used in conjunction with other anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. However, they are generally not prescribed for long periods because they can become addictive and can have side effects such as drowsiness.
Apart from the use of medication and psychological treatments, 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), exposure therapy, and art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can teach people techniques to better control their anxiety and depression, which can help them manage their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Many of these treatments are available on the internet, and some might be covered by your insurance. Brightside, for example, is an online therapy program that provides CBT, as well as other anxiety and depression treatments.