Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can affect your daily life, so it's crucial to seek assistance if you suffer from extreme anxiety. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as decreasing stress and engaging in regular physical exercise. Your doctor may also recommend psychological therapy.
FDA approved a range of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. 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 increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA). GABA blocks the activity of nerves within the spinal cord and brain and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety.
Contrary to antidepressants, which may take weeks to begin working, benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes. They are high-risk substances for abuse and dependence. The body gets used to benzodiazepines after regular use. This could result in physical dependence. Benzodiazepines can be an effective treatment when other options aren't working or aren't available.
Although benzodiazepines are an effective medication for anxiety, it is important to speak with your doctor prior to using these medications. They can help you identify the root of your anxiety, and also discuss other treatments that may be more appropriate. Talking therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy, and others can help you address the root causes of your anxiety. They will also teach you techniques for coping.
Benzodiazepines don't typically come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have dangerous effects when combined with alcohol or other drugs. They are also highly addictive and carry a significant risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines were introduced in the 1950s, starting with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs come with an in-box warning stating that they can cause serious side effects, such as breathing problems and severe sleepiness.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are an antidepressant class and are the first choice for many people who suffer from anxiety. These drugs increase the levels of specific chemical messengers, such as serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other important chemicals such as those that control mood and sleep, and reduce stress hormones in the body. The most frequently prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, better known by its brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil as well as SNRIs such as Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
While experts aren't sure exactly how SSRIs can help treat anxiety but they do know that these drugs improve the way your brain functions. They improve the function of glial cells (these are the brain cells that nourish, support nourish, insulate, and protect your neurons) and increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and boost levels of serotonin itself. The exact mechanism of action isn't completely understood however it could involve an array of factors.
As with other medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to kick in and require regular treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They can cause adverse effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. Some men may experience a decrease in libido and sodium levels. Your doctor will decide the length of time you should be taking them based on your symptoms as well as any other treatments you're using. They may recommend that you take them for six to 12 months or work with your to taper off and stop the medication. Iam Psychiatry might also suggest alternative treatments such as psychotherapy, herbal remedies and supplements to combat anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers, also referred to as beta-adrenergic blockers, prevent adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and reduces your blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety and may be an alternative to conventional psychotropic drugs that can have negative side effects.
Beta-blockers may help reduce anxiety-related physical symptoms, but they don't tackle the psychological causes of stress. They are generally used to deal with specific situations that can trigger anxiety, like public speaking or flying. They can be used together with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a long-term, daily treatment.
Because of the way they work, beta blockers may cause a number of negative effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. You might also feel shaky or sweaty. Some people with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or diabetes should not take them.
Beta blockers are commonly used and researched despite their side effects. They've been on the market since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. They are also fairly inexpensive and easily accessible when compared with other drugs. For a lot of people taking them, the risk of adverse effects is worth the trade-off in order to maximize their effectiveness.
Taking beta-blockers as part of an anxiety treatment plan is a great idea for people suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines, which are the best choice for people with severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve the root of the problem. They are ideal for anxiety that is short-term like prior to a major event such as an airplane flight or speech. In addition to reducing anxiety, they can help you sleep better and regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine and melatonin for transmission by preventing their breakdown in neurons. They are most commonly used in the form of antidepressants, but they also have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications. They can also be utilized to treat Parkinson's disease and other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil found in the bud, leaf and the stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Eugenol has been proven to inhibit MAOI in a test tube, and could interact with these drugs.
MAOIs can have serious side effects and aren't often the first drug doctors prescribe for depression or anxiety. Typically, they are prescribed for those who are unable to respond to other medications. They can also be used to manage a variety of other diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia. They can cause low blood pressure when standing in a sitting or lying in a sitting position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
MAOIs are widely used to treat panic disorder, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used for atypical depression and panic disorder. It has limited research on panic disorder. These medications aren't as effective as SSRIs however they can be useful in treating certain kinds of depression and anxiety disorders.
The newest reversible MAOIs like selegiline and moclobemide, are safer than the irreversible MAOIs of the past. They are more effective at increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depression disorders than the older MAOIs. They are less likely to cause a high blood pressure reaction but they carry some risk of developing pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
For those suffering from anxiety, a combination of medication and psychological therapies is usually the best treatment. The use of medication can ease symptoms but only under the supervision of a doctor. There are many different medicines for anxiety, and they perform differently for each individual. To find the right medicine for you, talk to your doctor and explain your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anti-anxiety medication that works by modulating the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It reduces mood and anxiety symptoms without sedation. It's also less likely to become more habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it an excellent option for those trying to control their anxiety, but do not need to take a drug such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These are antidepressants that augment the levels of serotonin in a person and can aid in regulating mood. They are usually prescribed along with anxiety medication like benzodiazepines. However, they are typically not recommended for long durations because they can become addictive and may have side effects like drowsiness.
Besides 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) and art therapy or creative therapy and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can assist people develop strategies to manage their anxiety and depression. This will allow them to live a more fulfilling life and manage symptoms. Many of these treatments are available online, and some may be covered by insurance. Brightside for instance, is an online therapy program that offers CBT, as well as other treatments for depression and anxiety.