Anxiety Treatments Medication Anxiety can affect your everyday life, which is why it's important to seek help if you have severe anxiety. Treatment options include lifestyle changes such as decreasing stress and engaging in regular physical activity. Your doctor might also suggest psychological therapy. FDA approved several medications to treat anxiety disorders. These include SNRIs and SSRIs that affect the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can also reduce anxiety by affecting the GABA receptor. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines calm the nervous system by acting upon it. They work by enhancing the effects of a brain neurotransmitter referred to as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks the function of nerves in the spinal cord and brain and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety. Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to work. However, benzodiazepines come with a high risk of dependency and abuse. The body becomes accustomed to benzodiazepines following regular use. This could cause physical dependence. They can be a powerful treatment if other methods aren't working or aren't available. It is important to consult your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They can assist you in determining the cause of your anxiety, and also discuss other treatments that might be more suitable. natural treatment for anxiety Iam Psychiatry that involve talking, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, and many others can help you to address the root cause of your anxiety. They can also teach you strategies for coping. Benzodiazepines don't typically come first in the treatment of anxiety disorders as they can have harmful effects when combined with other substances or alcohol. They can also be addictive, and carry a high chance of overdose. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, then followed by diazepam, (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs come with an in-box warning stating that they can cause serious side effects, like severe sleepiness and breathing problems. SSRIs SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant medications and are the first choice for many who suffer from anxiety. They boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, namely serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also regulate other important chemicals, such as those that control sleep and mood and decrease stress hormones within the body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. The SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq. Although experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs work to alleviate anxiety but they do know that these meds improve the way your brain functions. They increase BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, boost the glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect neurons) and increase serotonin levels. It's not known what the exact mechanism of these supplements is however, it could be a combination of elements. SSRIs as with other kinds of medication, can take up to a month before they begin working. They require regular treatment to keep their benefits. They can have adverse effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. Some men might experience a decrease in libido and sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you must take them based upon your symptoms and other treatments you are using. They might recommend you keep taking them for a period of 6 to 12 months or help you to taper down and stop the meds. They might also suggest alternative therapies like psychotherapy, herbs, and supplements to combat anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, and chamomile for sleep. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, stop adrenaline from binding to your heart's receptors. This helps your heart relax and decreases your blood pressure. They are prescribed to treat anxiety and may be an alternative to conventional medications for psychiatric disorders that can cause adverse effects. Beta-blockers can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not solve the mental causes of stress. Typically, they are used to control certain situations that trigger anxiety such as public speaking and flying. They can be combined in conjunction with therapy to treat anxiety disorders or as a long-term, daily treatment. Because of the way they work, beta blockers can cause several adverse effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia. 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 available for decades and are considered to be safe for adults. In comparison, they are relatively affordable and easily accessible. For many people who are concerned about the risk of side effects is a worthwhile trade-off in order to maximize their effectiveness. Taking beta-blockers as part of an anxiety treatment plan is a good option for those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines, which are best for those suffering from life-threatening or severe anxiety disorders. However, they won't solve your underlying problem and are ideal for anxiety that is short-term like prior to major events like the speech or flight. They can aid in sleeping better, and they can also regulate your blood sugar. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They increase the availability of serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters, such as the epinephrine and melatonin to transmit by preventing their breakdown in neurons. They are primarily known as effective antidepressants, and have some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be taken on their own or in combination with other medication. They are also used to treat Parkinson's disease as well as various other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil found in bud, leaf and the stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). In a test tube Eugenol was proven to block MAOI activity, and could interact negatively with these drugs. MAOIs have serious side effects and are not usually the first medicine that doctors prescribe for depression or anxiety. They are usually reserved for those who haven't responded to other medicines. They are also used for various other conditions 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 commonly used to treat anxiety disorders as well as atypical depression and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has only a few studies on panic disorder and is the medication of choice for people suffering from atypical depression, while tranylcypromine has been recommended due to its favorable side effects. These drugs aren't as efficient as SSRIs for the majority of patients however, they can be beneficial in treating certain kinds of anxiety and depression. The older MAOIs are not as safe as the modern Reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and Moclobemide. They are more effective in increasing monoamine levels involved in depression disorders than older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs to trigger high blood pressure, however they there is a risk of developing a dependence on pharmacological drugs. Buspirone For people suffering from anxiety, a combination of medication and psychological therapies is usually the best option for treatment. The use of medication can reduce symptoms but only under the supervision of a doctor. There are many different medications for anxiety, and they work differently in each person. 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 neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This reduces mood and anxiety symptoms, but it doesn't cause sedation or interfere with cognitive function. It is less likely to become more habit-forming than other sedatives, such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a good option for those who wish to reduce their anxiety but don't wish to take drugs like Xanax. SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first treatment option for people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). They are antidepressants that increase the levels of serotonin and can aid in regulating mood. They are usually prescribed along with anxiety medication like benzodiazepines. They are not usually prescribed for long periods of time as they can be addictive and have side effects such as drowsiness. Apart from medication, psychological treatments for GAD have been shown to be effective in the short term and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as art or creative therapy, and exposure therapy. Psychological therapy can help people discover ways to better manage depression and anxiety. This can allow them to live a more full life and reduce symptoms. A lot of these treatments are accessible online, and some may be covered by your insurance. Brightside is one example. It is an online therapy program that provides CBT and other anxiety and depression treatments.
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