Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you are suffering with anxiety or panic attacks it is essential to seek professional help. Lifestyle changes, like reducing your stress and doing regular physical exercise are among the options for treatment. Your doctor might also suggest psychological therapy.
The FDA has approved several medications for anxiety disorders, including the SSRIs and SNRIs that impact the neurotransmitter serotonin. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, can also reduce anxiety by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that work on the nervous system to produce a calming effect. They work by increasing the effects of a brain neurotransmitter referred to as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks the activity of nerves in the spinal cord and brain and helps reduce anxiety.
Unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working, benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes. These are highly-risk medications for abuse and dependence. This is because the body adjusts to benzodiazepines over time which can lead to physical dependency. The use of benzodiazepines is a successful treatment if other methods aren't working or are not available.
It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They will be able help you determine the cause of your anxiety and suggest other options that might be more appropriate. Therapies that involve talking, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy, and others can help you identify the root cause of your anxiety. They can also teach you techniques for coping.
Benzodiazepines aren't usually the first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have harmful effects when paired with alcohol or other drugs. They can also be addictive and they 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 drugs come with a black box warning, indicating that they may cause serious or life-threatening side effects including extreme sleepiness, breathing issues or coma and even death if used in conjunction in combination with opioids or illegal substances.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medications that is often the first choice among those suffering from anxiety. These drugs increase the levels of certain chemical messengers, such as serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also help regulate other crucial chemicals, like the ones that control mood and sleep, and reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body. Prozac is the most frequently prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Experts aren't sure exactly how SSRIs treat anxiety but they do know that the drugs improve your brain's functioning. They increase BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of the number of glial cells (brain cells that help nourish and protect neurons) and boost serotonin levels. It's not known what the exact mechanism of action of these supplements is, but it could be a combination of different factors.
As with other medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to begin working, and they require regular treatment to maintain the benefits. They can trigger adverse effects, such as diarrhea and nausea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido or sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the duration of time that you should be taking them based on your symptoms and any other treatments you're using. They might recommend you keep taking them for a period of 6 to 12 months or help you to decrease the dosage and stop taking the medication. They may also suggest alternative therapies, like psychotherapy or supplements and herbs that can treat anxiety-related symptoms, such as Vistaril for itching, or Chamomile to help sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blockers) stop adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This allows your heart to relax and lowers blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety and can be an excellent alternative to traditional psychotropic medications that have some adverse 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, like public speaking or flying. They can be used in conjunction with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a long-term daily medicine.
Due to their method of operation, beta blockers can have several adverse effects, such as bradycardia and hypotension. They can also cause you to feel shaken and sweaty. Some people with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or diabetes shouldn't take them.
Despite the negative side effects Beta blockers are extensively studied and used. They've been on market for a long time and are considered safe for most adults. In comparison, they are fairly affordable and easily accessible. For how anxiety is treated of people taking them, the risk of adverse effects is worth the trade-off to their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are a great option for mild to moderate anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines which are better for those who suffer from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve your underlying problem and are best for short-term anxiety like before a big event like the speech or flight. They can aid in sleeping better, and they can control your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They prevent the breakdown of serotonin, the melatonin hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine in the neurons and increase their capacity for transmission. They are mostly used as antidepressants, but they also have some effectiveness in anxiety disorders. They can be taken on their own or in combination with other medication. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's and other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil that is found in the buds, leaves and stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). In a test tube Eugenol was found to block MAOI activity and may be negatively interacting with these drugs.
MAOIs can have severe adverse effects and aren't typically the first medication doctors prescribe for depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other medicines. They can also be used to treat various other conditions such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low pressure when you rise from a lying or seated position. This is known as orthostatic hypertension.
MAOIs are used extensively to treat panic disorder as well as atypical depression and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used for an atypical form of anxiety and depression. It has limited research on panic disorder. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs, but can be beneficial in treating certain types of anxiety and depression.
The newer reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide, are less harmful than the older irreversible MAOIs. They are also more effective than older MAOIs in increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depressive disorders. They are less likely to cause hypertension however, they do are at risk of causing dependence on drugs.
Buspirone
For those suffering from anxiety and depression, a combination of medication and psychological therapy is typically the best treatment. The use of medication can alleviate symptoms, but they should only be used under a doctor's supervision. There are a variety of medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They may be different for each individual. To determine the best medication for you, talk with your doctor and explain your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication, works by regulating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It reduces mood and anxiety 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 option for people looking to control their anxiety but don't wish to take drugs like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are typically the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that boost the levels of serotonin in a person and can aid in regulating mood. They are usually prescribed as a part of anxiety-related medications like benzodiazepines. However, they are typically not prescribed for prolonged periods because they are prone to becoming addictive and may have side effects like drowsiness.
In addition to the use of medication 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), exposure therapy, and art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can teach people strategies to control their depression and anxiety which can help them manage symptoms and live a full life. Additionally that a lot of these treatments are now accessible online and are covered by insurance. Brightside is one example. It is an online therapy program that provides CBT and other anxiety and depression treatments.