Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you are suffering from severe anxiety It is crucial to seek professional help. Changes in your lifestyle, such as decreasing your stress levels and engaging in regular physical activity, are among the options for treatment. Your doctor may 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 are drugs that work on the nervous system to create the sensation of calming. They work by enhancing the effects of a brain neurotransmitter referred to as gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA). GABA reduces nerve activity in the spine and brain cord and assists in reducing anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can ease anxiety symptoms quickly unlike antidepressants that can take a long time to work. These are highly-risk medications for abuse and dependence. This is because the body adapts to benzodiazepines through regular use which can lead to physical dependence. They can be a powerful treatment when other methods don't work or are not available.
Although benzodiazepines are an effective medication for anxiety, it is important to consult with your doctor prior to using these medications. They will be able to help you determine the cause of your anxiety and suggest other treatments that may be more appropriate. Therapies that involve talking, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, and many others can help you to address the root cause of anxiety. They can also teach you strategies for coping.
Benzodiazepines don't typically come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can cause dangerous effects when combined with other drugs or alcohol. They are also addictive, and have a significant chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines came out in the 1950s with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs come with a black-box warning that warns that they can cause serious or life-threatening side effects including breathing problems, severe sleepiness or coma and even death if taken in combination with opioids or illegal substances.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a category of antidepressant drugs that are typically the first choice of those suffering from anxiety. These medications increase the levels of certain chemical messengers, such as serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other crucial chemicals like those that control mood and sleep and lower stress hormones in the body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil, while SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
While experts aren't sure exactly what SSRIs do to treat anxiety however, they are aware that these medications improve the way your brain functions. They increase the glial cell's function (these are the brain cells that support, nourish, insulate and protect your neurons), increase BDNF levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and boost levels of serotonin itself. It's not clear what the exact mechanism of action of these supplements is however, it could be a combination of 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 side effects, including nausea and diarrhea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido or sodium levels. Your physician will decide the amount of time you need to take them, depending on your condition and other treatments you're taking. They may recommend that you continue taking them for a period of 6 to 12 months, or assist you to decrease the dosage and end the medication. They may also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy, herbs and supplements to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blockers) stop adrenaline from binding to your heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and reduces your blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety, and can be an alternative to traditional medications for psychiatric disorders that can cause adverse effects.
While beta-blockers may help to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not solve the mental factors that cause anxiety. Typically, they are employed to deal with specific situations that cause anxiety such as speaking in public and flying. They can be used together with therapy to treat anxiety disorders or as a long-term, daily treatment.
Beta blockers can cause a variety of adverse effects because of their way of working, such as hypotension, bradycardia, and a variety of other conditions. They can also cause you to feel shaky and sweaty. Certain people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes should not take them.
Beta blockers are extensively used and researched despite their side effects. They've been on the market for decades and are considered safe for adults. Comparatively, they are also fairly affordable and easily accessible. For many, the adverse effects are worth it for their effectiveness.
Utilizing generalized anxiety treatment -blockers as part an treatment for anxiety is a good idea for those with mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are best for those suffering from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. They can't address the root of your problem, and are recommended for short-term anxiety such as before an important event like the flight or speech. They can help you sleep better and they can control your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin and other neurotransmitters such as the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by blocking their breakdown in neurons. They are most well-known as effective antidepressants, and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be taken as a stand-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 bud leaves, stems, and leaves of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. In a test tube Eugenol was shown to inhibit MAOI activity and may negatively interact with these medications.
MAOIs have serious side effects and are not usually the first medicine that doctors prescribe for anxiety or depression. Typically, they are prescribed for patients who have failed to respond to other medications. They are also used to treat a variety of disorders, including Fibromyalgia and Parkinson's disease. They can cause low pressure when you stand up from a lying or seated position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
MAOIs are used extensively to treat anxiety disorders, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. 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 for its favorable adverse effects. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs for most patients however they are beneficial in treating certain kinds of anxiety and depression.
The older MAOIs aren't as safe as the newer REVERSIBLE MAOIs like selegiline and Moclobemide. They are also more effective than older MAOIs in increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depressive disorders. They are less likely to cause an increase in blood pressure however, they do are at risk of causing dependence on drugs.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the best way to treat anxiety. The use of medication can ease symptoms but only when under the supervision of a medical professional. There are many different medications for anxiety, and they can work differently in each person. Talk to your doctor about your anxiety and he'll prescribe the appropriate medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication, works by regulating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It helps reduce anxiety and mood disorders without the feeling of sedation. It's also less likely to be habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to control their anxiety but don't need to take a drug such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants can help regulate mood and boost serotonin levels. They are typically used as a part of anxiety-related medications like benzodiazepines. However, they are usually not recommended for long durations because they are prone to becoming addictive and may have side effects like drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD that include medication have been proven to be efficient on a short-term basis and may improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can help people learn methods to manage their anxiety and depression, which can help them manage symptoms and live a full life. Additionally, many of these treatments are available online and may be covered by insurance. For example, Brightside is an online therapy service that provides a range of treatments for depression and anxiety, including CBT.