Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can affect your daily life, so it's important to seek assistance if you suffer from extreme anxiety. Lifestyle changes, such as decreasing your stress levels and doing regular physical exercise, are among the treatment options. Your doctor may suggest psychological therapy.
The FDA has approved several medications for anxiety disorders, including SSRIs and SNRIs, which impact serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls our brains. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can decrease anxiety by affecting GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting upon it. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA blocks nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord and helps to reduce anxiety.
Contrary to antidepressants, which may take weeks to begin working, benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes. However, benzodiazepines come with an increased risk of dependency and abuse. This is because the body adapts to benzodiazepines through regular use, which can lead to physical dependency. Despite the risk, benzodiazepines can be a successful treatment for anxiety when other treatments are not available or do not provide relief.
It is important to consult your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They can assist you in determining the root of your anxiety, and also discuss other options that could be more appropriate. For instance the use of talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help to address the root cause of your anxiety and teach you how to manage your anxiety.
Benzodiazepines do not usually come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders as they can have harmful effects when combined with other drugs or alcohol. They are also addictive and have a high risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines came out in the 1950s with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs carry the black-box warning that states they can cause serious side effects, including severe sleepiness and breathing problems.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medicines that are usually the first choice for people who suffer from anxiety. They boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, such as serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other crucial chemicals such as those that control mood and sleep and decrease stress hormones within the body. Prozac is the most frequently prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil, while SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Experts aren't quite sure what SSRIs do to treat anxiety, but they do know the drugs enhance the brain's function. They boost BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect neurons), and increase serotonin levels. The precise mechanism of action isn't understood fully, but it may involve the combination of several factors.
Similar to other types of medicines, SSRIs can take 1 month to start working and require frequent treatment to keep the benefits. They may cause negative effects like nausea and diarrhea. They can also result in low sodium levels in a few people, and they can alter libido of certain men. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you should take them, based on your condition and other treatments you're using. They may advise you to continue to use them for 6 to 12 months, or assist you to taper down and stop taking the medication. They may also suggest other treatments, such as psychotherapy or herbs and supplements to treat anxiety-related issues such as Vistaril for itching or Chamomile to help sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also known as beta-adrenergic blockers) prevent adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and reduces blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety, and are an alternative to traditional psychotropic drugs that can have side effects.
While beta-blockers can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root causes of your anxiety. They are generally employed to control specific situations that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or flying. They may be used in conjunction with therapy to treat the root of the anxiety disorder, or on their own as long-term daily medication.
Due to their method of operation, beta blockers may cause various side effects, including hypotension and bradycardia. You may also feel shaky or sweaty. Some people with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes should not take them.
Despite the negative side effects, beta blockers are still widely used and researched. They've been in the market since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. They're also reasonably priced and accessible compared to other medications. For many, the negative side effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are a great option for those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines, which are ideal for people with severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they won't solve the root of the problem. They are best for people with short-term anxiety, such as 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) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, such as the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by blocking their breakdown in neurons. They are most well-known as effective antidepressants and possess some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications. They are also used to treat Parkinson's disease and various other ailments. Eugenol, an essential oil, can be found in the buds leaves, stems, and leaves of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the bark of cinnamon. In a test tube Eugenol was found to block MAOI function and could be negatively interacting with these drugs.
MAOIs can cause serious side effects, and therefore they are not the primary medicine doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. Typically, they are prescribed for those who have failed to respond to other medication. They are also used to treat a variety of diseases, such as Fibromyalgia and Parkinson's disease. They can cause low pressure when you get up from a seated or lying position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
how anxiety is treated are used extensively to treat anxiety disorders as well as atypical depression and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used for an atypical form of anxiety and depression. It has small studies on panic disorder. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs, but can be beneficial in treating certain types of anxiety and depression.
The older MAOIs aren't as secure as the more recent Reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and Moclobemide. They are more effective in increasing monoamine levels involved in depression than older MAOIs. They are less likely to cause hypertension however, they do carry some risk of developing pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
Combining psychological therapy with medication is the best way to treat anxiety. The use of medications can reduce symptoms but only with the guidance of a medical professional. There are a variety of medications for anxiety, and they can perform differently for each individual. To determine the best medication for you, talk with your doctor and discuss your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved drug, works by modulating neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This can help reduce mood and anxiety symptoms, but it doesn't cause sedation or interfere with cognitive function. It is less likely to become addictive than other sedatives like benzodiazepines. This makes it a good option for those who wish to reduce their anxiety, but don't want to take drugs like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that boost the levels of serotonin and can aid in regulating mood. They are typically used in conjunction with anxiety medicines like benzodiazepines. However, they are generally not recommended for long durations since they can be addictive and may have side effects such as drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD, including medication, have been proven to be efficient on a short-term basis and may improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can assist people develop strategies to manage their anxiety and depression. This can help them live a more full life and reduce symptoms. Many of these treatments are accessible on the internet, and some might be covered by insurance. For instance, Brightside is an online therapy service that offers an array of depression and anxiety treatments including CBT.