Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so it's crucial to seek help if you have extreme anxiety. Treatment options include lifestyle changes such as reduction of stress and regular physical exercise. Your doctor might also suggest psychological therapy.
FDA approved a range of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SSRIs and SNRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can also reduce anxiety by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that act on the nervous system to create the sensation of calming. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks nerve activity in the brain and spine cord, and aids in reducing anxiety.
Contrary to antidepressants, which may take weeks to begin working, benzodiazepines are able to relieve anxiety symptoms almost immediately. They are high-risk substances for abuse and dependence. The body gets used to benzodiazepines following regular use. This can lead to physical dependence. They can be a powerful treatment when other methods aren't working or are not available.
It is important to consult your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They will be able to help you identify the root of your anxiety and discuss other options that might be more suitable. For example, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help to address the root of anxiety and help you develop coping skills.
Benzodiazepines aren't usually the first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have harmful effects when used in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol. They can also be addictive, and they have a high chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, then followed by diazepam, (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs carry the black-box warning that states they could cause life-threatening or serious side effects, such as breathing problems and severe sleepiness.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medications that is typically the first choice of those suffering from anxiety. These medications boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, such as serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other crucial chemicals, such as the ones that control mood and sleep and lower the levels of stress hormones in your body. The most commonly prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is more commonly known under the brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil, while SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs can help with anxiety, however they do know that the medications improve your brain's functioning. They boost 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 understood fully but it could be a combination of factors.
Similar to other types of medicines, SSRIs can take 1 month to start working and require regular treatment to keep the benefits. They may cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also result in low sodium levels in certain individuals, and may affect libido for certain men. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you should be taking them based on your symptoms and any other treatments you're using. They may recommend that you 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 like psychotherapy, herbal remedies and supplements to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used for itching, and chamomile can help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blockers) prevent adrenaline from binding to your heart's receptors. They relax your heart and reduces your blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety and may be an an alternative to traditional medications for psychiatric disorders that can cause adverse effects.
Beta-blockers may help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't solve the mental causes of stress. They are typically used to manage specific situations that cause anxiety, such as speaking in public and flying. They can be used in conjunction with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder or used on their own as long-term daily medication.
Because of the way they work beta blockers may cause various negative effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. They can also cause you to feel shaky and 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 researched. They've been on the market since decades and are generally considered to be safe for adults. They are relatively affordable and easily accessible. For many, the adverse effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are a great alternative for people with moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines, which are ideal for those suffering from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve the root cause of your problem. They are best for people with short-term anxiety for instance, before a big event like an airplane flight or speech. They can help you sleep better and they can also regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They stop the breakdown of serotonin Melatonin, epinephrine, as well as norepinephrine in the neurons and increase their availability for transmission. They are most commonly used as antidepressants, but they also have some effectiveness in anxiety disorders. They can be taken alone or in combination. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease and certain other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil, is found in the bud, leaves, and stems of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. 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, and therefore they are not the primary medicines that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for those who haven't responded to other medicines. They can also be used to treat a variety of disorders, including Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia. They can cause low pressure when you get up from a seated or lying position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
The most common MAOIs are phenelzine tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine is used to treat atypical anxiety and depression. It has limited research on panic disorder. These drugs are not as effective as SSRIs however they can be helpful in treating certain types anxiety and depression disorders.
The newest reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide are more secure than the more irreversible MAOIs. They are also more effective than older MAOIs at increasing the levels of monoamines that are involved in depressive disorders. They are less likely than older MAOIs in causing high blood pressure, however they there is a risk of developing a dependence on pharmacological drugs.
Buspirone
Combining psychological therapy with medication is the best method to treat anxiety. Medications can help ease symptoms, but they should be used only under the supervision of a doctor. There are a variety of medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They can work differently for each individual. To determine which one is right for you, speak to your doctor and discuss your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anti-anxiety medication that works by modulating the neurotransmitters serotonin as well as dopamine. It reduces mood and anxiety symptoms without any sedation. It is less likely to be addictive than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great choice for people who want to manage their anxiety but don't wish to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs or SNRIs are usually the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These antidepressants are able to regulate mood and increase levels of serotonin. best herbal treatment for anxiety are usually used as a part of anxiety-related medications like benzodiazepines. However, they are generally not prescribed for long periods since they can be addicting and have adverse effects like drowsiness.
In addition to medication and psychological treatments, psychological treatments for GAD have been shown to be effective in the short term and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exposure therapy, and creative or artistic therapies. Psychological therapy can help patients discover ways to better manage depression and anxiety. This can allow them to live a more full life and manage symptoms. Additionally, many of these treatments are now accessible online and are covered by insurance. Brightside for instance, is an online therapy program that provides CBT and other anxiety and depression treatments.