Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you are suffering from severe anxiety It is crucial to seek out professional help. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as decreasing stress and engaging in regular physical exercise. Your doctor might recommend psychological therapy.
FDA approved a range of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs which affect the neurotransmitter serotonin. Anticonvulsants such as pregabalin can help reduce anxiety by altering GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to produce the sensation of calming. They work by enhancing the effects of a brain neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks the activity of nerves within the brain and spinal cord and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes, unlike antidepressants which may take weeks to begin working. However, benzodiazepines have high risks of dependency and abuse. The body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines following regular use. This could result in physical dependence. Benzodiazepines can be an effective treatment when other options do not work or are not available.
Although benzodiazepines are an effective medication for anxiety, it is crucial to speak with your doctor prior to taking these medications. They will be able to help you identify the root of your anxiety and suggest other options that might be more appropriate. For example the use of talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root cause of anxiety and teach you strategies for coping.
Benzodiazepines are not typically used as first-choice medications for anxiety disorders, as they can cause dangerous negative effects when they are combined with alcohol or other narcotics. They can also be addictive and have a high risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines - chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, then followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam, (Ativan). All of these medications come with a black-box warning, indicating that they may cause serious or life-threatening adverse effects such as severe sleepiness, breathing problems, coma, and death when combined in combination with opioids or illegal substances.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a category of antidepressant medicines that are usually the first choice for people who suffer from anxiety. These drugs increase the levels of specific chemical messengers, such as serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. social anxiety treatment regulate other important chemicals like those that regulate sleep and mood, and reduce stress hormones within the body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil and SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs can help alleviate anxiety however, they are aware that these drugs improve the way your brain functions. They improve the function of glial cells (these are the brain cells that 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 fully understood however it could involve an array of factors.
SSRIs, like other types of medication, can take up to a month before they begin to work. They require regular treatment to maintain their benefits. They can have side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also lead to low sodium levels in a few individuals, and may alter libido of certain men. Your physician will decide the amount of time you need to take them, depending on your symptoms and the other treatments you're using. They may recommend that you continue taking them for a period of 6 to 12 months or work with you to reduce or stop the meds. They might also suggest alternative therapies like psychotherapy, herbal remedies and supplements to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, stop adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. They relax the heart and lowers blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and are an excellent alternative to traditional psychotropic medications that have some side effects.
Beta-blockers can reduce anxiety-related physical symptoms, but they do not address the mental causes of stress. They are typically employed to control certain situations that cause anxiety, such as public speaking or flying. They can be combined in conjunction with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a long-term, daily treatment.
Because of the way they work beta blockers can cause several side effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. They can also cause you to feel shaken and sweaty. People with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes should not take them.
Despite their negative effects beta blockers are extensively studied and used. They have been on the market for decades and are considered safe for a majority of adults. Comparatively, they are also reasonably affordable and readily available. For many, the negative side effects are worth it for their effectiveness.
Utilizing beta-blockers as part an anxiety treatment plan is a great idea for those suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines, which are better for those who suffer from 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 the flight or speech. In addition to helping reduce anxiety, they may help you sleep better and control your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They block the breakdown of serotonin melatonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine within neurons and increase their capacity for transmission. They are most commonly used in the form of antidepressants, but they also have some effectiveness in anxiety disorders. They can be used as a single drug or in combination. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil that is found in the the bud, leaf and stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). In a test tube, Eugenol was shown to inhibit MAOI function and could interact negatively with these medications.
MAOIs can have serious adverse effects, which is why they are not the primary medicines that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for people who have not been able to respond to other medications. They can also be used for various other conditions, such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low pressure when you rise from a seated or lying position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
Common MAOIs include phenelzine tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine is used for the treatment of atypical depression and panic disorder. It has limited research on panic disorder. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs for most patients however, they can be useful in treating certain types of anxiety and depression.
The more recent reversible MAOIs that are reversible like selegiline and moclobemide are more secure than the older irreversible MAOIs. They are more effective in increasing the monoamine levels in depression disorders than older MAOIs. They are less likely to trigger hypertension however, they do carry some risk of developing dependence on drugs.
Buspirone
Combining therapy with medication is the best method to manage anxiety. The use of medications can help ease symptoms, but only when under the supervision of a doctor. There are a myriad of medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They may work differently for each person. To determine the best medication for you, speak to your doctor and explain your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety medication that works by modulating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. This can help reduce anxiety and mood symptoms, but it does not cause sedation or interfere with cognitive function. It is less likely to be habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a good choice for those seeking to reduce their anxiety, but do not wish to take drugs like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that boost the levels of serotonin in a person and can help regulate mood. These are often prescribed along with anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. However, they are usually not recommended for long durations because they are prone to becoming addicting and have adverse effects such as drowsiness.
Apart from medications and psychological treatments, psychological treatments for GAD have been proven to be effective in the short run and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can assist people discover ways to better manage their anxiety and depression. This can allow them to live a fuller life and manage their symptoms. Additionally that a lot of these treatments are accessible online and could be covered by insurance. Brightside is one example. It is an online therapy program that provides CBT as well as other treatments for depression and anxiety.