Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you are suffering from anxiety that is severe, it is important to seek out professional help. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as decreasing stress and engaging in regular exercise. Your doctor might also suggest psychotherapy.
FDA approved a variety of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can reduce anxiety as well by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that work on the nervous system to create a calming effect. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA blocks nerve activity in the spine and brain cord, and aids in reducing anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are able to relieve anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes unlike antidepressants that can take weeks to begin working. They are high-risk substances for abuse and dependency. The body gets used to benzodiazepines following regular use. This could result in physical dependence. Benzodiazepines can be an effective treatment when other options do not work or are not available.
Although benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety, it is crucial to speak with your doctor prior to taking these medications. They can help you determine the cause of your anxiety and suggest alternative treatments that might be more appropriate. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, and others can help you identify the root of your anxiety. They will also teach you strategies for coping.
Benzodiazepines do not usually come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders as they can have harmful effects when paired with other substances or alcohol. They are also addictive, and carry a high risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines were released in the 1950s, starting with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these medications carry an in-box warning stating that they can cause serious side effects, including severe sleepiness and breathing problems.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant drugs and are the first choice for many suffering from anxiety. These drugs boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, including serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other crucial chemicals, including those that control mood and sleep and decrease the level of stress hormones within your body. The most commonly prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is more commonly known by its brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil, while SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Experts aren't certain exactly how SSRIs can help with anxiety, but they do know that the drugs enhance the brain's function. They increase the glial cell's function (these are the brain cells that help nourish, insulate, and protect your neurons), increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and increase levels of serotonin itself. It's unclear what is the exact mechanism of these supplements is, but 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 have negative effects like nausea and diarrhea. Some men may notice a decline in libido as well as sodium levels. Your physician will decide the length of time you need to take them, depending on your condition and other treatments you're using. They might recommend you continue to use them for a period of 6 to 12 months, or assist you to taper down and stop the meds. They might also suggest other therapies, like psychotherapy or supplements and herbs that can treat anxiety-related symptoms, such as Vistaril for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also known as beta-adrenergic blockers) block adrenaline's binding to the heart's receptors. Iam Psychiatry relax the heart and lowers blood pressure. They are typically prescribed for anxiety and can be an excellent alternative to conventional psychotropic medications that have some adverse effects.
Beta-blockers may help reduce anxiety-related physical symptoms, but they do not tackle the psychological causes of stress. Typically, they are used to control certain situations that trigger anxiety, such as speaking in public and flying. They can be used in combination with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder, or on their own as long-term daily medication.
Due to the way they work, beta blockers can cause several negative effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. They can also cause you to feel shaky and sweaty. Certain people suffering from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes should not take them.
Beta blockers are commonly studied and used despite the negative side effects. They've been in the market since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. In comparison, they are reasonably affordable and readily available. For many, the negative side effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Taking beta-blockers as part of an treatment plan for anxiety is a good idea for those with moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines that are best for those suffering from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they won't solve the root of the problem. They are ideal for anxiety that is short-term for instance, prior to a major event such as a speech or flight. They can aid in sleeping better, and they can also regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters like the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by stopping their breakdown in neurons. They are most well-known as effective antidepressants, and have some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be taken alone or in combination. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's and other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil found in bud, leaf and 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 cause serious side effects, so they are not the primary medicines that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. Usually, they are reserved for those who have failed to respond to other medications. They can also be used to treat many other disorders, such as Parkinson's 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 used extensively to treat anxiety disorders as well as atypical depression and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has small studies in panic disorder and is the medication of choice for atypical depression, while tranylcypromine has been recommended due to its favorable side effects. These drugs are not as effective as SSRIs however they can be useful in treating certain kinds 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 the monoamine levels in depression disorders than the older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs to cause high blood pressure, but still carry a risk of developing a dependence on pharmacological drugs.
Buspirone
Combining psychological therapy with medication is the best way to manage anxiety. Medications can help ease symptoms however they should be used only under a doctor's supervision. There are a myriad of medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They can work differently for each person. Discuss with your doctor about your anxiety and he will prescribe the best medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety medication that works by altering the neurotransmitters serotonin as well as dopamine. This helps reduce anxiety and mood symptoms, but it doesn't cause sedation or impair cognitive functioning. It is less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives like benzodiazepines. This makes it a great choice for people who want to manage their anxiety but don't want to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants can regulate mood and increase levels of serotonin. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. However, they are typically not prescribed for long periods because they are prone to becoming addicting and have adverse effects such as drowsiness.
In addition to 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), art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can help patients develop strategies to manage depression and anxiety. This can help them live a fuller life and manage their symptoms. In addition that many of these treatments are accessible online and could be covered by insurance. Brightside for instance, is an online therapy program that offers CBT as well as other depression and anxiety treatments.