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If you suffer with anxiety or panic attacks it is essential to seek professional help. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as reduction of stress and regular physical exercise. Your doctor may also suggest psychotherapy.
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 on it. They work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA reduces nerve activity in the spine and brain cord and assists in reducing anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly, unlike antidepressants which may take a long time to work. However, benzodiazepines have an increased risk of dependency and abuse. The body develops a tolerance to benzodiazepines after regular use. This could cause physical dependence. The use of benzodiazepines is a successful treatment when other methods don't work or are not available.
It is important to consult your doctor before taking benzodiazepines. They can help you determine the cause of your anxiety, and discuss alternative treatments that may be more suitable. Talking therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and others can help you identify the root of your anxiety. They can also teach you techniques for coping.
Benzodiazepines aren't usually the first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can cause dangerous effects when paired with alcohol or other drugs. They can also be addictive and have a significant risk of overdose. The first benzodiazepines, chlordiazepoxide, (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, followed by diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam, (Ativan). All of these medications come with a black box warning, indicating that they could cause serious or life-threatening side effects including severe sleepiness, breathing problems, coma, and death if taken with opioids or illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a group of antidepressant drugs that are typically the first choice of those suffering from
anxiety treatment without medication. These medications increase levels of certain chemical messengers within the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They also regulate other crucial chemicals such as those that control sleep and mood, and reduce stress hormones in the body. The most frequently prescribed SSRI for anxiety is fluoxetine, which is more commonly known by its brand name Prozac. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil as well as SNRIs such as Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
Experts aren't certain exactly
how to treat anxiety and stress SSRIs can help with anxiety, however they do know that the meds enhance the brain's function. They boost glial cell function (these are the brain cells that help, nourish, insulate and protect your neurons) and 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 an array of factors.
SSRIs like other types of drugs, can require up to a month to begin working. They require regular treatment to maintain their effectiveness. They can trigger side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea. They can also cause low sodium levels in some people, and they can affect libido for some males. Your doctor will decide the amount of time you should take them based on your symptoms as well as any other treatments you are using. They may advise you to keep taking them for a period of 6 to 12 months, or assist you to taper down and stop taking the medication. They may also suggest other treatments such as psychotherapy, herbs, and supplements to combat anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, Vistaril can be used for itching, or chamomile to help you sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blocks) prevent adrenaline from binding with your heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and lowers your blood pressure. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety and are an excellent alternative to traditional psychotropic medications that have some negative side effects.
While beta-blockers may help to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root reasons behind your stress. They are typically used to deal with specific situations that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or 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 bradycardia, hypotension, and various other conditions. You might also feel shakey or sweaty. Some people with COPD (chronic obstruction of the lungs) or diabetes shouldn't use them.
Despite the negative side effects, beta blockers are still extensively studied and used. They've been on the market since decades and are generally considered safe for adults. Comparatively, they are also reasonably affordable and readily available. For many, the negative side effects are worth it for their effectiveness.
Utilizing beta-blockers as part an treatment plan for anxiety is a good option for people suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are best for those suffering from life-threatening or severe anxiety disorders. They can't address the root of your issue and are
best treatment for anxiety and depression used to ease anxiety in the short term, like prior to an important event such as the flight or speech. In addition to helping reduce anxiety, they may aid in sleeping better and manage your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) block 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 effectiveness in
treating anxiety disorders. They can be used as a stand-alone or in combination with other medication. They are also used to treat Parkinson's disease and other conditions. 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 could interact with these medications.
MAOIs can cause serious adverse effects, which is why they aren't the first medications that doctors recommend for depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for patients who have not been able to respond to other medications. They can also be used to manage a range of other disorders, including Fibromyalgia and Parkinson's disease. They can cause low pressure when you get up from a lying or seated position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.
MAOIs are commonly used to treat panic disorder, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has only a few studies on panic disorder and is the drug of choice for people suffering from atypical depression, whereas tranylcypromine has been praised for its positive side effects. These medications aren't as efficient as SSRIs for all patients however, they can be useful in treating certain types of anxiety and depression.
The newer reversible MAOIs like selegiline or moclobemide, are less harmful than the irreversible MAOIs of the past. They are more effective at increasing the monoamine levels in depression than older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs to cause high blood pressure, however they still carry a risk of developing a pharmacological dependence.
Buspirone
Combining medication with psychological therapy is the best method to combat anxiety. The use of medication can alleviate symptoms however they should be taken only under a doctor's supervision. There are a myriad of medications that can be used to treat anxiety. They may be different for each person. To find the right medicine for you, talk to your doctor and discuss your symptoms.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety medication that works by modulating the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This helps reduce anxiety and mood symptoms, but it does not cause sedation or hinder cognitive functioning. It is also less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it a great option for those who wish to control their anxiety but don't want to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs and SNRIs are typically the first line of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These are antidepressants that augment the levels of serotonin and can aid in regulating mood. They are typically used as a part of anxiety-related medications like benzodiazepines. However, they are usually not prescribed for prolonged periods because they can become addictive and can have side effects such as drowsiness.
In addition to medications and psychological treatments, psychological treatments for GAD have been proven 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 learn techniques to better manage their anxiety and depression. This will allow them to live a more full life and manage their symptoms. In addition that many of these treatments are now available online and may be covered by insurance. Brightside for instance, is an online therapy program that offers CBT, as well as other depression and anxiety treatments.