Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so it's crucial to seek help if you have severe anxiety. Lifestyle changes, like reducing your stress and doing regular physical exercise are among the treatment options. Iampsychiatry might also suggest psychological therapy.
The FDA has approved several medications for anxiety disorders, including SSRIs and SNRIs, which affect serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls our brains. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can reduce anxiety as well by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that act on the nervous system to produce the sensation of calming. They function by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA blocks nerve activity in the spine and brain cord and helps to reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can ease anxiety symptoms almost instantly unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to work. These are highly-risk medications for abuse and dependence. This is because the body adjusts to benzodiazepines by regular use and can result in physical dependency. Despite the risk, benzodiazepines are an effective treatment for anxiety, even when other options aren't available or don't provide relief.
While benzodiazepines can be a powerful treatment for anxiety, it is crucial to consult with your doctor prior to taking these medications. They can help you identify the cause of your anxiety, and suggest alternative options that could be more suitable. For instance therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help you address the root cause of anxiety and help you develop how to manage your anxiety.
Benzodiazepines aren't typically employed as the first-choice medication for anxiety disorders because they can cause dangerous side effects when combined with alcohol or other narcotics. They are also addictive, and have a significant chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines were released in the 1950s, with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) 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, such as extreme sleepiness, breathing issues, coma, and death if taken together with opioids or other illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant medications and are the first choice for a lot of people with anxiety. They increase the levels of certain chemical messengers, including serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also help regulate other important chemicals, like the ones that control sleep and mood and lower the levels of stress hormones in your body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil, while SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't quite sure what SSRIs do to combat anxiety however, they are aware that these meds improve the way your brain works. They increase BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, boost glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect your neuronal cells) and increase serotonin levels. It's unclear what is the exact mechanism of action of these supplements is however it could be a combination of elements.
SSRIs like other types of medication, can take up to a month before they begin to work. They require regular treatments to maintain their benefits. They can trigger side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido or sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you should be taking them based on your symptoms and any other treatments you're taking. They might recommend that you continue to take them for six to twelve months or work with your to reduce or stop taking the medication. They might also suggest other therapies, like psychotherapy or supplements and herbs to treat anxiety-related issues like Vistaril for itching or chamomile to help sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also known as beta-adrenergic blockers) prevent adrenaline from binding with your heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and lowers your blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety, and can be alternative to traditional psychiatric drugs that have adverse effects.
Beta-blockers may reduce anxiety-related physical symptoms, but they do not address the mental causes of stress. Typically, they are used to manage specific situations which trigger anxiety, such as public speaking and flying. They can be used in combination with therapy to treat the root of the anxiety disorder, or on their own as a long-term daily medication.
Due to the way they work beta blockers can cause a number of side effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. You might also feel shaky or sweaty. Some people with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes shouldn't be taking them.
Despite their side effects, beta blockers are still widely used and studied. They've been on the market since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. In comparison, they are reasonably affordable and readily available. For many taking them, the risk of adverse effects is a worthwhile trade-off for their effectiveness.
Utilizing beta-blockers as part an anxiety treatment plan is a good option for those suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines, which are best for those with severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. However, they will not solve the root of the problem. They are best for short-term anxiety, such as prior to major events like a speech or flight. In addition to reducing anxiety, they can help you sleep better and regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They block the breakdown of serotonin, the melatonin hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine within neurons and increase their availability for transmission. They are typically used as antidepressants, but they also have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be taken alone or together. They can also be utilized to treat Parkinson's disease and other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil, is found in the buds, leaves, and stems of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. Eugenol has been found to inhibit MAOI in a test tube and may interact with these medications.
MAOIs can have severe side effects, and therefore they are not the primary medications that doctors recommend for depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other medicines. They are also used for a variety other disorders such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position, which is called orthostatic hypotension.
Common MAOIs include phenelzine tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Phenelzine has been studied in a small way in panic disorder, and is the drug of choice for atypical depression, while tranylcypromine is been recommended due to its favorable adverse effects. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs, but can be beneficial in treating certain types of anxiety and depression disorders.
The newest reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide, are safer than the older irreversible MAOIs. They are more effective at increasing monoamine levels involved in depression disorders than older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs in causing high blood pressure, but still carry a risk of developing pharmacological dependency.
Buspirone
For people suffering from anxiety using a combination of medications and psychological therapy is typically the best treatment. Medications can help ease symptoms however they should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They can work differently for each individual. To determine which one is right for you, talk with your doctor and discuss your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety drug, works by modulating neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This can help reduce anxiety and mood symptoms, but it doesn't cause sedation or impair cognitive functioning. It is also less likely to be habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great option for those looking to manage their anxiety but don't wish to take drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs or SNRIs are typically the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder. They are antidepressants that increase 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 like drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD such as medication have shown to be effective in the short-term and may improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and creative or artistic therapies. Psychological therapy can help people learn techniques to better control their depression and anxiety, which can help them manage symptoms and live a full life. A majority of these treatments are accessible online, and some may be covered by insurance. For example, Brightside is an online therapy service that offers a range of treatments for depression and anxiety that include CBT.