Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you suffer with anxiety or panic attacks, it is important to seek help from a professional. Lifestyle changes, like reducing your stress and engaging in regular physical activity are among the options for treatment. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy.
FDA approved a range of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SSRIs and SNRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, can also reduce anxiety by affecting the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines calm the nervous system by acting on it. They work by increasing effects of a brain neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA). GABA reduces the activity of nerves within the brain and spinal cord and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety.
Unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working, benzodiazepines have the ability to alleviate anxiety symptoms almost immediately. However, benzodiazepines carry an increased risk of dependence and abuse. This is because the body adjusts to benzodiazepines through regular use and can result in physical dependence. The use of benzodiazepines is a successful treatment when other options aren't working or are not available.
It is essential to speak with your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They can help you determine the root of your anxiety, and also discuss other treatments that might be more suitable. For instance therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root cause of anxiety and help you develop strategies for coping.
Benzodiazepines are not typically utilized as the first choice for treating anxiety disorders because they can cause dangerous adverse effects when used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. They are also addictive and have a high overdose risk. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, and were followed by diazepam, (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs carry a black-box warning that warns they could cause life-threatening or serious side effects, such as breathing problems and severe sleepiness.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a group of antidepressant medications that is often the first choice among those suffering from anxiety. natural remedies to treat anxiety increase the levels of certain chemical messengers, namely serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other crucial chemicals, such as those that control sleep and mood, and reduce stress hormones in the body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. These SNRIs include Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs work to treat anxiety however, they are aware that these meds improve the way your brain works. They increase the glial cell's function (these are the brain cells that support nourish, insulate, and protect your neurons) and increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and increase levels of serotonin itself. It's not known what the exact mechanism of these supplements is, but it could be a combination of different factors.
SSRIs, like other types of drugs, can require up to a month to start working. They require regular treatment in order to keep their benefits. They can cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also lead to low sodium levels in some individuals, and may affect libido for certain males. Your doctor will decide the duration of time that you should take them based on your symptoms and other treatments you're taking. They might recommend you continue taking them for 6 to 12 months, or assist you to taper down and stop the meds. They might also suggest alternative treatments like psychotherapy, herbs, and supplements to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, and chamomile to help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, stop adrenaline from binding to your heart's receptors. This helps your heart relax and lowers blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety and can be an excellent alternative to conventional psychotropic medications that have some adverse effects.
While beta-blockers may help to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't solve the mental factors that cause anxiety. They are usually used to deal with specific situations that trigger anxiety, like public speaking or flying. They can be utilized in conjunction together with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a daily medication for long-term use.
Due to the way they work beta blockers may cause various adverse effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia. They can cause you to feel shaky and sweaty. Certain people suffering from asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes shouldn't take them.
Despite their negative effects Beta blockers are widely used and researched. They've been in the market for a long time and are considered to be safe for adults. They're also relatively inexpensive and readily available compared to other drugs. For many, the side effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers as a part of an treatment for anxiety is a great idea for those suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines which are more suitable for people with severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. They can't address the root of your problem, and are recommended for anxiety that is short-term, such as prior to an important event such as a flight or speech. They can aid in sleeping better, and they can control your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They prevent the breakdown of serotonin the melatonin hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the neurons and increase their availability for transmission. They are most commonly used in the form of antidepressants, but they also show some effectiveness in anxiety disorders. They can be used alone or in combination with other medications. They are also used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil, is found in the buds leaves, stems, and leaves of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. In a test tube, Eugenol was found to block MAOI activity, and could be negatively interacting with these medications.
MAOIs can have severe side effects, so they are not the primary medicines that doctors recommend for depression or anxiety. They are typically prescribed for patients who have failed to respond to other treatments. They can also be used to manage a variety of other diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia. They can lead to low blood pressure when standing from a lying or sitting in a sitting position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
The most common MAOIs are phenelzine isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used for atypical anxiety and depression. It has limited research on panic disorder. These drugs are not as powerful as SSRIs however they can be helpful in treating certain types depression and anxiety disorders.
The newest reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide, are safer than the irreversible MAOIs of the past. They are also more effective than older MAOIs in increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depressive disorders. They are less likely to trigger hypertension, but they still carry some risk of developing pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the most effective way to manage anxiety. The use of medication can ease symptoms however they should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. There are many different medications for anxiety, and they can be different for each individual. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and he will prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety medication that works by regulating the neurotransmitters serotonin as well as dopamine. It reduces mood and anxiety symptoms without sedation. It's also less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives, such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great option for people looking to control their anxiety but don't want to use a drug like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants are able to regulate mood and boost serotonin levels. They are usually prescribed along with anxiety medication like benzodiazepines. They are rarely prescribed for prolonged periods of time as they are addictive and can cause adverse effects like drowsiness.
In addition to medications, psychological treatments for GAD have been shown to be efficient 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 people discover ways to better manage their anxiety and depression. This can help them live a more fulfilling life and manage symptoms. Additionally, many of these treatments are now accessible online and are covered by insurance. For example, Brightside is an online therapy service that offers a range of treatments for depression and anxiety that include CBT.