Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you suffer with anxiety or panic attacks it is essential to seek professional help. Lifestyle changes, like lessening your stress and doing regular physical exercise are among the options for treatment. Your doctor might also suggest psychotherapy.
FDA approved a variety of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SSRIs and SNRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can reduce anxiety as well by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting on it. They work by enhancing the effects of a brain neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA reduces nerve activity in the brain and spinal cord, and aids in reducing anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are able to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly unlike antidepressants that can take weeks to begin working. However, benzodiazepines carry a high risk of dependency and abuse. The body gets used to benzodiazepines following regular use. This could cause physical dependence. Despite the dangers, benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety, even when other options are not readily available or do not offer relief.
While benzodiazepines can be a powerful treatment for anxiety, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to using them. They can help you determine the root of your anxiety and discuss alternative treatments that might be more appropriate. For instance therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help address the root cause of anxiety and help you develop how to manage your anxiety.
Benzodiazepines don't typically come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have dangerous effects when combined with other drugs or alcohol. herbal treatment for anxiety can also be addictive, and carry 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 have a black box warning that warns that they can cause serious or life-threatening adverse effects such as extreme sleepiness, breathing issues, coma, and death when combined together with opioids or other illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant drugs, and they're the first choice for a lot of people with anxiety. These drugs boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, namely serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other vital chemicals like those that control mood and sleep and decrease stress hormones within the body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. 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 work to treat anxiety however, they are aware that these medications enhance the way your brain functions. They boost glial cell function (these are the brain cells that support nourish, insulate, and protect your neurons), increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and increase levels of serotonin itself. It's not known what the exact mechanism of action of these supplements is, but it could be a combination of different factors.
Like other types of medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to begin working and require regular treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They can trigger adverse effects, including nausea and diarrhea. Some men may notice a decline in libido and sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you must take them based upon your symptoms as well as any other treatments you're taking. They may advise you to keep taking them for 6 to 12 months or help you to taper down and stop the meds. They might also suggest alternative therapies like psychotherapy, herbs and supplements to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used to treat itching, or chamomile can help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blocks) stop adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. They relax your heart and lowers your blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and are an excellent alternative to conventional psychiatric medications that carry some negative side effects.
While beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying mental reasons behind your anxiety. They are typically used to manage certain situations that trigger anxiety, such as speaking in public and flying. They can be combined together with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a daily medication for long-term use.
Due to the way they work beta blockers can have a number of side effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. They can cause you to feel shaky and sweaty. Certain people suffering from asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes shouldn't be taking them.
Beta blockers are widely researched and utilized despite their negative effects. They've been in the market since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. In comparison, they are fairly affordable and easily accessible. For many, the adverse effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are a good option for those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are better for those who suffer from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. But they aren't able to solve your underlying problem and are ideal for anxiety that is short-term, such as before a big event like the speech or flight. They can help you sleep better and can help regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters, such as the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by stopping their breakdown in neurons. They are best known as effective antidepressants, and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as other conditions. Eugenol is an essential oil found in buds, leaves, and the stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Eugenol has been proven to have MAOI inhibitory activity in a test tube and may interact with these medications.
MAOIs can have serious side effects, so they are not the primary medicine doctors recommend for depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for patients who have not had a response to other medications. They also help treat a variety of disorders, including Fibromyalgia and Parkinson's disease. They can lead to low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position, which is known as orthostatic hypotension.
Common MAOIs include phenelzine tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine has only a few studies on panic disorder and is the drug that is recommended for patients suffering from atypical depression, while tranylcypromine is been recommended due to its favorable side effects. These medications aren't as effective as SSRIs, but can be helpful in treating certain types anxiety and depression.
The newer reversible MAOIs like selegiline or moclobemide, are safer than the more irreversible MAOIs. They are more effective in increasing the monoamine levels in depression disorders than the older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs in causing high blood pressure, but there is a risk of developing a pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
For people suffering from anxiety using a combination of medications and psychological therapies is often the best option for treatment. The use of medications can reduce symptoms but only under the supervision of a doctor. There are many different medications for anxiety, and they be different for each individual. Talk to your doctor about your anxiety and he will prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by modulating the neurotransmitters serotonin as well as dopamine. This helps reduce anxiety and mood symptoms, but it doesn't cause sedation or hinder cognitive functioning. It is less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great option for those who wish to manage their anxiety but don't wish to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These are antidepressants that augment a person's serotonin levels and help regulate mood. These are often prescribed along with anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. They aren't usually prescribed for long periods of time as they can be addictive and have negative side effects, such as drowsiness.
Besides medication, psychological treatments for GAD have been shown to be effective in the short run and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exposure therapy, as well as art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can teach people methods to manage their anxiety and depression, which can help them manage symptoms and live a fuller life. A lot of these treatments are available online, and some may be covered by insurance. For instance, Brightside is an online therapy service that offers a range of anxiety and depression treatments including CBT.