Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so it's important to seek assistance if you are suffering from extreme anxiety. Lifestyle changes, like decreasing your stress levels and taking part in regular physical exercise are among the treatment options. Your doctor may also recommend psychological therapy.
FDA approved a range of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs which affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants, like pregabalin, can reduce anxiety as well by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that act on the nervous system to produce a calming effect. They function by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA inhibits nerve activity in the brain and spine cord and assists in reducing anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are able to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly unlike antidepressants, which can take a long time to work. However, benzodiazepines carry a high risk of dependence and abuse. The body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines after regular use. This could result in physical dependence. Despite the risks, benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety when other treatments aren't available or do not provide relief.
While benzodiazepines can be a powerful medication for anxiety, it's important to speak with your doctor before using them. They can help you determine the root of your anxiety and also discuss other treatments that may be more suitable. For example, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root cause of your anxiety and help you develop strategies for coping.
Benzodiazepines aren't commonly used as first-choice medications for anxiety disorders, as they can cause serious side effects when combined with alcohol or other narcotics. They can also be addictive, and have a significant chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines - chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, followed by diazepam, (Valium), and lorazepam, (Ativan). All of these drugs come with a black box warning that warns that they could cause serious or life-threatening side effects including extreme sleepiness, breathing issues, coma, and death if used in conjunction in combination with opioids or illegal substances.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant drugs and are the first choice for many suffering from anxiety. These meds boost levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other important 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, while SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Experts aren't certain exactly what SSRIs do to treat anxiety, however they do know that the meds help improve the functioning of your brain. They improve the function of glial cells (these are the brain cells that help nourish, insulate, and protect your neurons) they also increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and increase levels of serotonin itself. The precise mechanism of action isn't completely understood, but it may involve a combination of factors.
Similar to other types of medicines, SSRIs can take 1 month to begin working, and they require regular treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They can cause side reactions, like diarrhea and nausea. They can also lead to low sodium levels in a few people, and can alter libido of certain men. Your physician will decide the time frame you'll need to take them, based on your symptoms and the other treatments you're taking. They may recommend that you continue to use them for 6 to 12 months or work with you to taper down and stop taking the medication. They might also suggest other treatments, including 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 called beta-adrenergic blocks) block adrenaline's binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and reduces your blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and can be a great alternative to traditional medication for psychiatric disorders that can have negative side effects.
Although beta-blockers can alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not solve the mental causes of your anxiety. They are typically employed to control specific situations that can trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or flying. They may be used in conjunction with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder, or on their own as long-term daily medication.
Because of their method of operation, beta blockers can cause several negative effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. They can cause you to feel shaken and sweaty. Certain people suffering from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes should not take them.
Despite their negative effects, beta blockers are still widely used and studied. They've been available since decades and are generally considered to be safe for adults. They are also fairly inexpensive and easily accessible when compared with other medications. For many, the negative side effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are an excellent option for mild to moderate anxiety. best herbal treatment for anxiety are more effective than benzodiazepines which are ideal for those suffering from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they won't solve your underlying problem and are best for short-term anxiety for instance, prior to a major event such as an airplane flight or speech. In addition to decreasing anxiety, they can aid in sleeping better and manage your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters like epinephrine and melatonin for transmission by stopping their breakdown in neurons. They are typically used as antidepressants, but they also have some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be taken on their own or in combination with other medication. They can also be utilized to treat Parkinson's disease and other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil, can be found in the bud leaves, stems, and leaves of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. In a test tube, Eugenol was shown to inhibit MAOI activity and may interact negatively with these drugs.
MAOIs can have severe adverse effects, which is why they aren't the first medications that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. Typically, they are prescribed for those who are unable to respond to other medication. They can also be used for various other conditions such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can lead to low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying in a sitting position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
The most common MAOIs are phenelzine isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has small studies in panic disorder, and is the drug that is recommended for patients suffering from atypical depression, while tranylcypromine has been praised for its positive adverse effects. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs for most patients however they are beneficial in treating certain kinds of anxiety and depression.
The newest reversible MAOIs like selegiline and moclobemide, are safer than the older irreversible MAOIs. They are more effective in increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depression disorders than older MAOIs. They are less likely to trigger hypertension however, they do carry some risk of developing dependence on pharmacological substances.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the most effective way to manage anxiety. Medications can help alleviate symptoms, but they should only be used under the supervision of a physician. There are a variety of medications for anxiety, and they perform differently for each individual. Discuss with your doctor about your anxiety and he'll prescribe the best medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by modulating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It helps reduce anxiety and mood disorders without sedation. It is less likely to become addictive than other sedatives like benzodiazepines. This makes it a great choice for people who are looking to manage their anxiety, but don't want to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that boost a person's serotonin levels and can help regulate mood. They are usually prescribed along with anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. They aren't usually prescribed for long periods of time as they are addictive and can cause negative side effects, such as drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD, including medication, have been proven to be effective on a short-term basis and may improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can teach people strategies to control their depression and anxiety which can help them manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. In addition, 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.