Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with everyday life, which is why it's important to seek assistance if you suffer from severe anxiety. Changes in your lifestyle, such as lessening your stress and taking part in regular physical exercise, are among the options for treatment. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy.
The FDA has approved several medications for anxiety disorders, such as SNRIs and SSRIs, which affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Anticonvulsants such as pregabalin can help reduce anxiety by affecting GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to create a calming effect. They function by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA reduces nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord and helps to reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are able to relieve anxiety symptoms almost instantly, unlike antidepressants which may take a long time to work. However, benzodiazepines have an increased risk of abuse and dependence. The body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines after regular use. This can cause physical dependence. The use of benzodiazepines is a successful treatment when other options aren't working or aren't available.
Although benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before using them. They will be able help you determine the cause of your anxiety and suggest other options that might be more appropriate. For example, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help address the root cause of anxiety and help you develop coping skills.
Benzodiazepines don't typically come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders as they can have harmful effects when used in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol. They can also be addicting and carry a high risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, and were followed by diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam, (Ativan). All of these drugs carry the black-box warning that states they can cause serious side effects, like severe sleepiness and breathing issues.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a category of antidepressant medicines that are often the first choice among those suffering from anxiety. These medications boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, namely serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also help regulate other crucial chemicals, such as those that regulate sleep and mood and decrease the level of stress hormones within your body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs are Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Experts aren't sure exactly how SSRIs can help with anxiety, but they do know the medications enhance the brain's function. treat generalized anxiety disorder increase BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, boost glial cells (brain cells that help nourish and protect neurons) and increase serotonin levels. The exact mechanism behind this action isn't fully understood however it could involve a combination of factors.
Similar to other types of medicines, SSRIs can take 1 month to start working and require regular treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They can trigger side reactions, like diarrhea and nausea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido and sodium levels. Your physician will decide the time frame you'll need to use them, based on your symptoms and other treatments you're taking. They might suggest that you take them for six to twelve months or work with your to stop the tapering and stop the medication. They might also suggest alternative treatments like psychotherapy, herbs and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, and chamomile to help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers, also referred to as beta-adrenergic blockers, prevent adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This allows your heart to relax and lowers blood pressure. They are typically prescribed for anxiety and can be an excellent alternative to conventional medication for psychiatric disorders that can have side effects.
While beta-blockers may help to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not solve the mental factors that cause stress. They are generally used to manage certain situations that cause anxiety, like public speaking or flying. They can be used together with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a long-term daily medicine.
Beta blockers can cause a range of adverse reactions because of their way of working, including hypotension, bradycardia, and various other conditions. You might also feel shakey or sweaty. Certain people suffering from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lungs) or diabetes shouldn't use them.
Beta blockers are extensively used and researched despite their side effects. They've been available for a long time and are considered safe for adults. They're also reasonably priced and readily available compared to other drugs. For many, the negative side effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers as a part of an treatment for anxiety is a great idea for those with moderate to mild anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines which are better for those with severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. They won't fix your underlying problem and are best used to ease anxiety in the short term, like before an important event like an airplane flight or a speech. 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 that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters, such as melatonin and epinephrine for transmission by preventing their breakdown in neurons. They are most commonly employed as antidepressants, however they also show some effectiveness in 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 conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil, is found in the bud, leaves, and stems of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the bark of cinnamon. Eugenol has been shown to have MAOI inhibitory activity in a test tube and may interact with these medications.
MAOIs can cause serious side effects, so they are not the first medicines that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. Typically, they are prescribed for patients who have failed to respond to other medications. They can also be used to manage a range of other diseases, such as the fibromyalgia and Parkinson's diseases. They can lead to low blood pressure when standing from a lying or sitting position, which is called orthostatic hypotension.
Common MAOIs include phenelzine tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine is used for an atypical form of depression and panic disorder. It has small studies on panic disorder. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs for the majority of patients, but they can be effective in treating certain types of anxiety and depression.
The older MAOIs are not as secure as the more recent Reversible MAOIs, such as Moclobemide and selegiline. They are more effective in increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depression than older MAOIs. They are less likely to cause a high blood pressure reaction, but they still have a risk of developing dependence on drugs.
Buspirone
For patients with anxiety using a combination of medications and psychological therapies is usually the best option for treatment. The use of medication can help ease symptoms, but only when under the supervision of a doctor. There are many different medications for anxiety, and they be different for each individual. Discuss with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and he will prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anti-anxiety medication that works by altering the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This helps reduce mood and anxiety symptoms, but it does not cause sedation or hinder cognitive functioning. It is less likely to become more habit-forming than other sedatives, like benzodiazepines. This makes it an excellent choice for those trying to control their anxiety, but do not need to take a drug such as Xanax.
SSRIs or SNRIs are usually the first choice for treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. They are antidepressants that increase a person's serotonin levels and can aid in regulating mood. These are often prescribed along with anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. However, they are generally not recommended for long durations because they can become addicting and have adverse effects such as drowsiness.
In addition to the use of medication as well as psychological treatments for GAD have been proven to be efficient in the short-term and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exposure therapy, as well as art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can help people learn techniques to better control their depression and anxiety which can help them manage symptoms and live a fuller life. In addition that many of these treatments are accessible online and are covered by insurance. Brightside for instance, is an online therapy program that offers CBT and other anxiety and depression treatments.