Anxiety Treatments Medication
Anxiety can interfere with daily life, so it's important to seek help if you have extreme anxiety. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as decreasing stress and engaging in regular physical exercise. Your doctor may also recommend psychotherapy.
The FDA has approved several medications for anxiety disorders, including the SSRIs and SNRIs that impact serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin, can also reduce anxiety by altering the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting on it. They function by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) in the brain. GABA blocks the function of nerves in the spinal cord and brain and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are able to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly, unlike antidepressants which may take weeks to work. However, benzodiazepines carry a high risk of dependence and abuse. This is because the body adjusts to benzodiazepines over time which can lead to physical dependence. They can be a powerful treatment for panic and anxiety attacks when other options do not work or are not available.
It is important to consult your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They will be able help you determine the cause of your anxiety and suggest other treatments that may be more appropriate. For example therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help to address the root cause of anxiety and help you develop how to treat anxiety without medicine to manage your anxiety.
Benzodiazepines are not typically utilized as the first choice for treating anxiety in bipolar disorder anxiety disorders, as they can cause serious adverse effects when used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. They are also addictive, and carry a high chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, and were followed by diazepam, (Valium), and lorazepam, (Ativan). All of these drugs carry an in-box warning stating that they can cause serious side effects, such as severe sleepiness and breathing issues.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant drugs that are often the first choice among people who suffer from anxiety. These meds boost levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, especially serotonin and norepinephrine. They also help regulate other crucial chemicals, including the ones that control sleep and mood, and reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body. The most commonly prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is more commonly known under the brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't certain what SSRIs do to treat anxiety, they do know that these medications enhance the way your brain functions. They boost BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect your neuronal cells) and boost serotonin levels. The exact mechanism behind this action isn't understood fully, but it may involve a combination of factors.
SSRIs, like other types of medications, can take up to a month before they begin to work. They require regular treatment in order to maintain their benefits. They can have negative effects like nausea and diarrhea. They can also cause low sodium levels in a few people, and they can affect libido for some males. Your doctor will decide the duration of time that you must take them based upon your symptoms and other treatments you are using. They might recommend you continue taking them for 6 to 12 months or work with you to decrease the dosage and stop taking the medication. They may also suggest other therapies like psychotherapy, herbs and supplements to treat anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile to help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blockers) stop adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and lowers blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety and may be an alternative to conventional psychotropic drugs that can have adverse effects.
While beta-blockers can help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root factors that cause anxiety. They are typically used to deal with specific situations that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or flying. They may be used in combination with therapy to treat the root of the anxiety disorder or used on their own as a long-term daily medication.
Due to their method of operation, beta blockers can cause various adverse effects, such as bradycardia and hypotension. You may also feel shaky or sweaty. Some people with COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes should not take them.
Despite their negative effects beta blockers are widely used and researched. They've been in the market for a long time and are considered to be safe for adults. They're also reasonably priced and easily accessible when compared with other medications. For many people, the risk of side effects is worth the trade-off in order to maximize their effectiveness.
Utilizing beta-blockers as part an anxiety treatment plan is a good option for those with moderate to mild anxiety. They can be more effective than benzodiazepines, which are best for those suffering from life-threatening or severe anxiety disorders. But they aren't able to solve the root cause of your problem. They are ideal for anxiety that is short-term, such as prior to major events like an airplane flight or speech. They can help you sleep better, and they can also regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. They block the breakdown of serotonin, Melatonin, epinephrine, as well as norepinephrine in the neurons and increase their capacity for transmission. They are best way to treat anxiety disorder (about his) known as effective antidepressants and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used alone or in combination with other medications. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease and various other ailments. Eugenol, an essential oil, is found in the bud, leaves, and stems of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. Eugenol has been proven to inhibit MAOI in a test tube, and may interact with these medications.
MAOIs can cause serious side effects and aren't often the first drug doctors prescribe to treat anxiety or depression. They are typically prescribed to those who haven't had a response to other medications. They can also be used to treat many other disorders like Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia. They can cause low blood pressure when standing from a lying or sitting position, which is known as orthostatic hypotension.
MAOIs are used extensively to treat anxiety disorders as well as atypical depression and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used to treat the treatment of atypical depression and panic disorder. It has limited research on panic disorder. These medications aren't as effective as SSRIs for the majority of patients, but they can be beneficial in treating certain kinds of depression and anxiety disorders.
The older MAOIs are not as secure as the more recent reversible MAOIs such selegiline and Moclobemide. They are more effective in increasing monoamine levels involved in depression than older MAOIs. They are less likely to trigger an increase in blood pressure but they have a risk of developing pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
For patients with anxiety and depression, a combination of medication and psychological therapies is usually the most effective treatment. The use of medication can reduce symptoms but only with the guidance of a physician. There are many different medicines for anxiety, and they perform differently for each individual. To determine which one is right for you, speak to your doctor and discuss your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved drug, works by altering the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It can reduce anxiety and mood symptoms without sedation. It is also less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great choice for those seeking to reduce their anxiety but don't need to take a drug like Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are typically the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that boost a person's serotonin levels and can help regulate mood. These are often prescribed along with anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. However, they are generally not recommended for long durations since they can be addictive and may have side effects such as drowsiness.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/general-medical-council-logo.png)Psychological treatments for GAD, including medication, have shown to be effective in the short-term 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 teach people methods to manage their anxiety and depression, which can help them manage their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Additionally that many of these treatments are available online and may be covered by insurance. Brightside is one example. It is an online therapy program that provides CBT and other depression and anxiety treatments.
