If you are suffering with anxiety or panic attacks it is essential to seek professional help. Lifestyle changes, like decreasing your stress levels and engaging in regular physical activity are among the options for treatment. Your doctor might also suggest psychological therapy.
FDA approved a variety of medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants such as pregabalin can help reduce anxiety by affecting GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting on it. They work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA inhibits nerve activity in the spine and brain cord, and aids in reducing anxiety.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/iampsychiatry-logo-wide.png)Unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working, benzodiazepines are able to alleviate anxiety symptoms almost immediately. However, benzodiazepines have a high risk of abuse and dependence. The body gets used to benzodiazepines once they are used regularly. This can cause physical dependence. They can be a powerful treatment when other methods aren't working or aren't available.
It is essential to speak with your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They can help you identify the root of your anxiety, and suggest alternative treatments that might be more appropriate. Therapies that involve talking, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as well as exposure therapy, and many others can help you to address the root causes of anxiety. They will also teach you techniques for coping.
Benzodiazepines aren't commonly employed as the first-choice medication for anxiety disorders because they can cause serious negative effects when they are combined with alcohol or other substances. They can also be addictive, and they have a high risk 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 carry an in-box warning stating that they can cause life-threatening or serious side effects, including severe sleepiness and breathing issues.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are an antidepressant class and are the first choice for many with anxiety. These meds boost levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, especially serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other important chemicals, such as those that control sleep and mood and decrease stress hormones within the body. The most frequently prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is better known by its brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs are Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Although experts aren't certain how treat anxiety without medication SSRIs can help alleviate anxiety, they do know that these drugs improve the way your brain works. 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 increase levels of serotonin itself. The exact mechanism of action isn't understood fully however it could involve a combination of factors.
SSRIs as with other kinds of medication, can take up to a month to begin working. They require regular treatment for high functioning anxiety to keep their benefits. They can cause side reactions, like diarrhea and nausea. They can also lead to low sodium levels in some people, and can alter libido of certain men. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you must take them based upon your symptoms and any other treatments you are using. They might suggest that you take these medications for a period of six to 12 months or work with your to reduce or stop taking the medication. They may also suggest alternative therapies, like psychotherapy or herbs and supplements that treat anxiety-related symptoms like Vistaril for itching, or chamomile for sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also known as beta-adrenergic blockers) block adrenaline's binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and lowers your blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and are a great alternative to traditional psychotropic medications that have some negative side effects.
While beta-blockers may help to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying mental reasons behind your stress. They are typically employed to control certain situations that cause anxiety, like public speaking or flying. They may be used in conjunction with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder, or on their own as long-term daily medication.
Because of the way they work, beta blockers can cause several adverse effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia. They can also cause you to feel shaken and sweaty. Certain people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstruction of the lung) or diabetes should not use them.
Despite the negative side effects, beta blockers are still extensively studied and used. They've been available for decades and are considered safe for adults. In comparison, they are reasonably affordable and readily available. For many, the risk of side effects is worth the trade-off for their effectiveness.
Taking beta-blockers as part of an anxiety treatment plan is a great idea for people suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines, which are best for people with severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. They can't address the root of your issue and are best used for anxiety that is short-term, such as before an important event like the flight or speech. They can help you sleep better and they can also regulate your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters, such as melatonin and epinephrine for transmission by stopping their breakdown in neurons. They are most well-known as effective antidepressants and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be used as a single drug or together. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's and other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil that is found in the the bud, leaf and stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). In a test tube Eugenol was found to block MAOI activity and may be negatively interacting with these drugs.
MAOIs can have severe side effects, and therefore they aren't the first medicines that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. Usually, they are reserved for patients who have failed to respond to other treatments. They are also used for many other disorders such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can cause low pressure when you rise from a sitting or lying position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
The most common MAOIs are phenelzine isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine is used to treat atypical depression and panic disorder. It has a few studies on panic disorder. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs however they can be helpful in treating certain types anxiety and depression disorders.
The older MAOIs are not as safe as the modern Reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and Moclobemide. They are more effective at increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depression disorders than the older MAOIs. They are less likely to trigger an increase in blood pressure but they have a risk of developing dependence on pharmacological substances.
Buspirone
For people suffering from anxiety, a combination of medication and psychological therapies is usually the most effective treatment. The use of medications can ease symptoms but only with the guidance of a medical professional. There are a myriad of medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They may be different for each person. To find the right medicine for you, talk with your doctor and explain your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety that works by regulating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. This reduces mood and anxiety symptoms, but it does not cause sedation or interfere with cognitive functioning. It is less likely to be habit-forming than other sedatives like benzodiazepines. This makes it a great option for those who wish to control their anxiety but don't wish to use a drug like Xanax.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2023.png)SSRIs and SNRIs are generally the first option for treating generalized anxiety treatment anxiety disorder (GAD). These are antidepressants that augment the levels of serotonin and can help regulate mood. They are usually prescribed along with anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. They are not usually prescribed for prolonged periods of time because they can be addictive and have negative side effects, such as drowsiness.
Psychological treatments for GAD that include medication have proven to be effective in the short-term and can improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exposure therapy, and art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can help patients learn techniques to better manage depression and anxiety. This can help them live a more full life and manage symptoms. Additionally, many of these treatments are accessible online and are covered by insurance. Brightside, for example, is an online therapy program that provides CBT as well as other treatments for depression and anxiety.