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 physical exercise. Your doctor may also suggest psychotherapy.
FDA approved several medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SSRIs and SNRIs that 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 enhancing the effects of a brain neurotransmitter referred to as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks nerve activity in the spine and brain cord and assists in reducing anxiety.
Unlike antidepressants, which can take a long time to begin working, benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes. However, benzodiazepines come with an increased risk of dependence and abuse. The body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines following regular use. This could cause physical dependence. Despite the risk, benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety when other treatments are not available or don't provide relief.
Although benzodiazepines are a potent medication for anxiety, it is crucial to speak with your doctor before using these medications. They can help you determine the root of your anxiety and suggest alternative treatments that might be more suitable. For instance, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help address the root cause of your anxiety and teach you coping skills.
Benzodiazepines aren't usually the first in the treatment of anxiety disorders because they can have harmful effects when combined with other drugs or alcohol. They can also be highly addictive and carry a significant 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 medications carry the black-box warning that states they could cause life-threatening or serious side effects, such as severe sleepiness and breathing issues.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a group of antidepressant medicines that are usually the first choice for those suffering from anxiety. They boost the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other crucial chemicals such as those that regulate sleep and mood and decrease stress hormones within the body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil as well as SNRIs such as Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Experts aren't certain exactly how SSRIs can help with anxiety, however they do know that the drugs help improve the functioning of your brain. They increase BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of the glial cells (brain cells that help nourish and protect your neuronal cells) and boost serotonin levels. It's not clear what the precise mechanism of action of these supplements is however, it could be a combination of different factors.
As with other medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to start working and require frequent treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They can cause adverse effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido as well as sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the time frame you should take them, based on your condition and other treatments you're using. They might recommend that you take the medication for six to 12 months or work with you to reduce or stop taking the medication. They may also suggest alternative treatments, such as psychotherapy, herbs and supplements that treat anxiety-related symptoms, such as Vistaril for itching or the chamomile herb to help sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, prevent adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes the heart and lowers blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and are a great alternative to traditional psychiatric medications that carry some adverse effects.
Beta-blockers can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not solve the mental stress-related causes. Typically, they are employed to deal with specific situations which trigger anxiety such as public speaking and flying. They can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to treat the root of the anxiety disorder or on their own as long-term daily medication.
Beta blockers can cause a variety of adverse effects because of their way of working, which includes hypotension, bradycardia and a variety of other conditions. You might also feel shaky or sweaty. Certain people suffering from asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes shouldn't take them.
Despite their negative effects beta blockers are widely used and researched. They've been available for decades and are considered to be safe for adults. They are also fairly inexpensive and accessible compared to other medications. For many, the side effects are worth it for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are a good alternative for people with moderate to mild anxiety. They can be 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 best for short-term anxiety for instance, prior to a major event such as the speech or flight. In addition to helping reduce anxiety, they may help you sleep better and control your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They stop the breakdown of serotonin, the melatonin hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine within neurons and increase their capacity for transmission. They are best known as effective antidepressants, and have some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be taken as a stand-alone or in combination. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease and other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil, can be found in the buds, leaves, and stems of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the bark of cinnamon. Eugenol has been proven to have MAOI inhibitory activity in a test tube and could interact with these medications.
MAOIs can cause severe side effects and aren't often the first drug doctors prescribe to treat anxiety or depression. They are usually reserved for those who haven't had a response to other medications. They are also used to manage a range of other diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia. They can cause low pressure when you stand up from a seated or lying position. This is known as orthostatic hypertension.
MAOIs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has only a few studies on panic disorder and is the drug of choice for atypical depression, while tranylcypromine has been praised for its positive adverse effects. These drugs aren't as potent as SSRIs however they can be useful in treating certain kinds of anxiety and depression.
The older MAOIs may not be as secure as the more recent Reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and Moclobemide. They are more effective in increasing monoamine levels 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 pharmacological substances.
Buspirone
For patients with anxiety and depression, a combination of medication and psychological therapy is typically the most effective treatment. Certain medications can ease symptoms, but they should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. There are many different medicines for anxiety, and they can perform differently for each individual. To find the right medicine for you, talk to your doctor and discuss your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by altering the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It helps reduce anxiety and mood symptoms without sedation. It is less likely to be addictive than other sedatives like benzodiazepines. This makes it a great option for those who wish to control their anxiety, but don't want to use a drug like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are typically the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These are antidepressants that augment the levels of serotonin and can help regulate mood. These are often prescribed along with anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. They are rarely prescribed for long periods of time as they can be addictive and have adverse effects like drowsiness.
Apart from medications, psychological treatments for GAD have been proven to be effective in the short term and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as art or creative therapy and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can teach people techniques to better control their depression and anxiety which can help them manage symptoms and live a fuller life. A majority of these treatments are available on the internet, and some might be covered by insurance. For instance, Brightside is an online therapy service that offers a range of treatments for depression and anxiety that include CBT.