Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so it's important to seek assistance if you suffer from severe anxiety. Treatment options include lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and getting regular physical activity. Your doctor might recommend psychotherapy.
FDA approved a range of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs which affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can also reduce anxiety by affecting the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that work on the nervous system to create a calming effect. They function by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA inhibits the activity of nerves within the brain and spinal cord and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety.
Unlike antidepressants, which can take a long time to begin working, benzodiazepines have the ability to alleviate anxiety symptoms quickly. These are highly-risk medications for abuse and dependence. This is due to the fact that the body adapts to benzodiazepines over time and can result in physical dependence. The use of benzodiazepines is a successful treatment if other methods do not work or are not available.
While benzodiazepines can be a powerful medication for anxiety, it is crucial to talk to your doctor prior to using these medications. They can help you identify the cause of your anxiety, and discuss alternative treatments that might be more suitable. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and more can help you identify the root of your anxiety. They will also teach you techniques for coping.
Benzodiazepines aren't usually the first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have dangerous effects when combined with other drugs or alcohol. They are also addictive, and have a significant 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 that states that they may cause serious or life-threatening side effects including breathing problems, severe sleepiness or coma and even death when combined together with opioids or other illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are an antidepressant class, and they're the first choice for many who suffer from anxiety. These medications increase levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They also help regulate other important chemicals, like the ones that control mood and sleep and decrease the level of stress hormones in your body. The most frequently prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is more commonly known under the brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs are Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. The SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs can help with anxiety, but they do know the meds help improve the functioning of your brain. They boost BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of the number of glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect neurons), and increase serotonin levels. It's not known what the exact mechanism of these supplements is, but it could be a combination of elements.
SSRIs, like other types of drugs, can require up to a month to begin to work. They require regular treatment to keep their benefits. They may cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido as well as sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you need to take them, based on your condition and other treatments you're taking. They might recommend that you continue taking these medications for a period of six to twelve months or work with you to reduce or stop the medication. They may also suggest other treatments like psychotherapy, herbal remedies and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blockers, prevent adrenaline from binding to your heart's receptors. This helps your heart relax and reduces blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and are an excellent alternative to traditional psychiatric medications that carry some side effects.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the mental causes of stress. They are generally employed to control specific situations that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or flying. They may be utilized in conjunction with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder or on their own as a long-term daily medication.
Due to the way they work, beta blockers can cause several adverse effects, such as bradycardia and hypotension. You may also feel shaky or sweaty. Certain people suffering from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes shouldn't take them.
Despite their negative effects Beta blockers are extensively studied and used. They've been on the market for years and are considered safe for most adults. Comparatively, they are also fairly affordable and easily accessible. For many, the negative side effects are worth it for their effectiveness.
Utilizing beta-blockers as part an treatment plan for anxiety is a good option for those suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are ideal for severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they won't solve the root of the problem. They are best for short-term anxiety for instance, prior to major events like an airplane flight or speech. They can help you sleep better and can help regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters such as the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by stopping their breakdown in neurons. They are mostly used in the form of antidepressants, but they also have some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with other medication. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's and other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil that is found in the buds, leaves, and the 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 severe adverse effects, which is why they are not the primary medicine doctors recommend for depression or anxiety. Typically, they are prescribed for those who have failed to respond to other medications. They can also be used to treat many other disorders, such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low blood pressure when standing from a lying or sitting position, which is known as orthostatic hypotension.
MAOIs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has small studies in panic disorder, and is the drug of choice for people suffering from atypical depression, whereas tranylcypromine has been praised for its positive side effects. These drugs aren't as powerful as SSRIs, but can be beneficial in treating certain types of anxiety and depression.
The newest reversible MAOIs like selegiline and moclobemide, are safer than the more irreversible MAOIs. They are also more effective than the older MAOIs at increasing the levels of monoamines implicated in depressive disorders. They are less likely than older MAOIs in causing high blood pressure, but there is a risk of developing a pharmacological dependence.
how anxiety is treated
For people suffering from anxiety using a combination of medications and psychological therapy is typically the best option for treatment. The use of medication can help ease symptoms, but only when under the supervision of a medical professional. There are many medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They may be different for each person. Discuss with your doctor about your symptoms and he will prescribe the right medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by altering the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It can reduce anxiety and mood symptoms without the feeling of sedation. It is less likely to become more habit-forming than other sedatives, such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great choice for people who want to manage their anxiety but don't want to take drugs like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are typically the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that boost a person's serotonin levels and can help regulate mood. They are often prescribed in conjunction with other anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. They aren't usually prescribed for long periods of time as they can be addictive and have adverse effects like drowsiness.
Apart from medications as well as 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) and art therapy or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can help people learn techniques to better manage their anxiety and depression. This will allow them to live a fuller life and manage symptoms. Additionally that many of these treatments are accessible online and could be covered by insurance. For example, Brightside is an online therapy service that provides various depression and anxiety treatments, including CBT.