Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you suffer from severe anxiety, it is important to seek out professional help. Treatment options include lifestyle changes like decreasing stress and engaging in regular physical exercise. Your doctor may suggest psychotherapy.
FDA approved several medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, can also reduce anxiety by affecting the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to create an calming effect. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA reduces the function of nerves in the brain and spinal cord and helps reduce anxiety.
Contrary to antidepressants, which may take weeks to begin working, benzodiazepines have the ability to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, benzodiazepines have a high risk of abuse and dependence. This is because the body adapts to benzodiazepines over time which can lead to physical dependency. Despite the dangers they are a reliable treatment for anxiety, even when other options aren't available or don't provide relief.
It is essential to speak with your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They can assist you in determining the root of your anxiety and discuss alternative treatments that might be more appropriate. For instance the use of talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help to address the root of anxiety and teach you coping skills.
Benzodiazepines aren't typically utilized as the first choice for treating anxiety disorders, as they can cause serious side effects when combined with alcohol or other drugs. They are also addictive, and carry a high 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 adverse effects such as extreme sleepiness, breathing issues, coma, and death when combined with opioids or illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medicines that are often the first choice among those suffering from anxiety. They increase the levels of certain chemical messengers, namely serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other vital chemicals such as those that regulate sleep and mood, and reduce stress hormones within the body. meds to treat anxiety prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is more commonly known by its brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. These SNRIs include Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs can help alleviate anxiety but they do know that these meds improve the way your brain functions. They boost glial cell function (these are the brain cells that help nourish, insulate, and protect your neurons) and increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and boost levels of serotonin itself. The exact mechanism behind this action isn't fully understood however it could involve an array of factors.
SSRIs as with other kinds of medications, can take up to a month to begin working. They require regular treatments to maintain their effectiveness. They may cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also lead to low sodium levels in certain people, and they can alter libido of certain men. Your doctor will determine the length of time you need to use them, based on your symptoms and other treatments you're taking. They may recommend that you continue to take these medications for a period of six to 12 months or work with your to taper off and stop taking the medication. They might also suggest alternative therapies like psychotherapy, herbs and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used to treat itching, or chamomile to help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also known as beta-adrenergic blockers) block adrenaline's binding to the heart's receptors. This allows your heart to relax and lowers blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and are an excellent alternative to conventional psychiatric medications that carry some adverse effects.
While beta-blockers may help to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root factors that cause stress. Typically, they are employed to deal with specific situations which trigger anxiety, such as speaking in public and flying. They can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder, or on their own as long-term daily medication.
Due to their method of operation, beta blockers can cause various adverse effects, such as bradycardia and hypotension. You might also feel shaky or sweaty. Certain people suffering from asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes shouldn't be taking them.
Despite the negative side effects beta blockers are widely used and studied. They've been on the market for decades and are considered to be safe for the majority of adults. Comparatively, they are also relatively affordable and easily accessible. For many, the adverse effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Taking beta-blockers as part of an anxiety treatment plan is a good idea for people suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines which are better for those suffering from life-threatening or severe anxiety disorders. They can't address the root of your problem, and are recommended for short-term anxiety such as prior to an important event such as an airplane flight or a speech. They can aid in sleeping better, and they can also regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They prevent the breakdown of serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine within neurons and increase their availability for transmission. They are best known as effective antidepressants, and have some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be taken alone or together. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease and other conditions. Eugenol, an essential oil, is found in the bud leaves, stems, and leaves of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. Eugenol has been proven to inhibit MAOI in a test tube, and could interact with these drugs.
MAOIs have severe side effects and aren't often the first drug doctors prescribe to treat anxiety or depression. Usually, they are reserved for those who are unable to respond to other medication. They are also used to manage a range of other conditions, such as the fibromyalgia and Parkinson's diseases. They can cause low pressure when you rise from a seated or lying position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
MAOIs are widely used to treat anxiety disorders, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has been studied in a small way in panic disorder and is the medication that is recommended for patients suffering from atypical depression, while tranylcypromine has been praised for its positive side effects. These drugs are not as effective as SSRIs but they are helpful in treating certain types anxiety and depression disorders.
The newest reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide, are safer than the older irreversible MAOIs. 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 but they have a risk of developing dependence on drugs.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the best way to combat anxiety. The use of medication can ease symptoms but only with the guidance of a physician. There are a myriad of medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They may be different for each individual. To determine which one is right for you, talk to your doctor and explain your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by modulating the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This helps reduce mood and anxiety symptoms, but it does not cause sedation or hinder cognitive function. It's also less likely to be habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great choice for people who are trying to control their anxiety, but do not wish to take drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that increase a person's serotonin levels and can help regulate mood. They are often used in conjunction with other anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. They are not usually prescribed for long periods of time because they can be addictive and cause side effects such as drowsiness.
In addition to medication and psychological treatments, 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 exposure therapy, as well as creative or artistic therapies. Psychological therapy can assist people discover ways to better manage depression and anxiety. This can allow them to live a more full life and reduce symptoms. Additionally, many of these treatments are accessible online and could be covered by insurance. Brightside for instance, is an online therapy program that provides CBT as well as other anxiety and depression treatments.