Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can affect your everyday activities, so it's important to seek help if you have severe anxiety. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as reduction of stress and regular physical exercise. Your doctor may also suggest psychological therapy.
The FDA has approved several medicines for anxiety disorders, such as the SSRIs and SNRIs that affect serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls our brains. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can decrease anxiety by altering GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that work on the nervous system to create the sensation of calming. They work by increasing effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA reduces nerve activity in the spine and brain cord and helps to reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to work. However, benzodiazepines have a high risk of dependency and abuse. The body gets used to benzodiazepines once they are used regularly. This can cause physical dependence. Despite the dangers, benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety when other methods are not available or don't provide relief.
It is essential to speak with your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They can help you determine the root of your anxiety and suggest alternative treatments that might be more appropriate. For example therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root cause of anxiety and teach you coping skills.
Benzodiazepines do not usually come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders as they can have harmful effects when used in conjunction with other substances or alcohol. They can also be 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 drugs have a black box warning that warns that they can cause serious or life-threatening side effects, such as breathing problems, severe sleepiness or coma and even death when combined with opioids or illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are an antidepressant class, and they're the first choice for a lot of people suffering from anxiety. These medications increase levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They also help regulate other essential chemicals, such as the ones that control sleep and mood, and reduce the levels of stress hormones within your body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs are Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
While experts aren't sure exactly how SSRIs can help alleviate anxiety however, they are aware that these drugs enhance the way your brain works. They increase the glial cell's function (these are the brain cells that help, nourish, insulate and protect your neurons) and increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and increase levels of serotonin itself. The exact mechanism behind this action isn't completely understood but it could be an array of factors.
As with other medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to start working and require frequent treatment to ensure that the benefits are maintained. They may cause adverse effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also cause low sodium levels in some people, and they can alter libido of some men. Your doctor will determine the duration of time that you must take them based upon your symptoms and other treatments you are using. iampsychiatry.com might recommend that you take these medications for a period of six to twelve months or work with you to stop the tapering and stop the medication. They may also suggest other therapies like psychotherapy, herbal remedies and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used for itching, and chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blockers) block adrenaline's binding to your heart's receptors. They relax your heart and reduces your blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety, and are an an alternative to traditional psychiatric drugs that have side effects.
While beta-blockers may help to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root reasons behind your anxiety. They are generally employed to control specific situations that can trigger anxiety, like public speaking or flying. They can be utilized in conjunction together with therapy to treat anxiety disorders, or as a long-term daily medicine.
Because of the way they work beta blockers can cause various side effects, including hypotension and bradycardia. You might also feel shakey or sweaty. Certain people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes should not use them.
Beta blockers are extensively studied and used despite their side effects. They've been in the market for decades and are considered to be safe for adults. In comparison, they are reasonably affordable and readily available. For many, the adverse effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Beta-blockers are a great alternative for people with moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are best for those suffering from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. They will not fix the underlying issue and are best used to ease anxiety in the short term, like prior to an important event, such as the flight or speech. In addition to reducing anxiety, they can aid in sleeping better and control 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 as well as other neurotransmitters like the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by preventing their breakdown in neurons. They are primarily known as effective antidepressants and possess some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be used as a stand-alone or in combination with other medications. They are also used to treat Parkinson's disease and 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). In a test tube, Eugenol was shown to inhibit MAOI activity, and could be negatively interacting with these drugs.
MAOIs can cause serious adverse effects and aren't typically the first medication doctors prescribe for anxiety or depression. They are typically prescribed for patients who have failed to respond to other medication. They are also used for many other disorders such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low pressure when you stand up from a sitting or lying position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
Typical MAOIs include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine is used to treat an atypical form of depression and panic disorder. It has small studies on panic disorder. These drugs are not as powerful as SSRIs however they can be useful in treating certain kinds of anxiety and depression.
The older MAOIs aren't as safe as the modern reversible MAOIs such selegiline and Moclobemide. They are also more effective than older MAOIs at increasing the levels of monoamines that are involved in depressive disorders. They are less likely to cause an increase in blood pressure, but they still have a risk of developing dependence on pharmacological substances.
Buspirone
Combining psychological therapy with medication is the best method to manage anxiety. The use of medication can help ease symptoms, but only with the guidance of a physician. There are many medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They may be different for each person. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and he'll prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by regulating the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This reduces anxiety and mood symptoms, but it does not cause sedation or hinder cognitive function. It is less likely to become more habit-forming than other sedatives, like benzodiazepines. This makes it a good option for those looking to manage their anxiety, but don't need to take a drug like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants can regulate mood and boost serotonin levels. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. They are not usually prescribed for long periods of time because they can be addictive and have negative side effects, such as drowsiness.
Apart from medication and psychological treatments, psychological treatments for GAD have been proven to be efficient in the short-term and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can teach people methods to manage their depression and anxiety which can help them manage symptoms and live a full life. A majority of these treatments are accessible on the internet, and some might be covered by insurance. Brightside, for example, is an online therapy program that provides CBT, as well as other depression and anxiety treatments.