Types of Pills to Treat Anxiety
A certain amount anxiety is an expected response to events that occur in your life. If your anxiety is debilitating, and keeps you from sleeping or performing normally, you might require medication to manage it.
Treatments for anxiety include benzodiazepines, buspirone and beta-blockers. SSRIs and SNRIs, which are antidepressants, are also a good option.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat anxiety, are a kind of medication that is used quite often. They work by enhancing the function of GABA in the brain, which calms the body. They also cause drowsiness, which can help you fall asleep and sleep throughout the night. The benzodiazepines are utilized in conjunction with other medications, such as antidepressants and pain relievers. However, they're not suitable for all. People with a history of drug abuse, who have difficulty falling or staying asleep, or those who suffer from breathing problems or medical conditions should only take this medication under strict supervision. Children and pregnant women should not take these drugs.
Drugs such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium (diazepam) are quick-acting. They can provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. They can be addictive and should not be used for long periods of time. Long-term use of benzodiazepine can lead to serious complications like respiratory depression and low blood pressure.
It is essential to talk with a medical professional if you suffer from anxiety. Psychiatrists can assess your physical and mental health and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for you. They can also recommend psychotherapy and therapy to tackle the root causes of your anxiety. This can be essential to overcome the condition.
Antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety in a variety of ways however only doctors are able to prescribe them. SSRIs are beneficial in treating anxiety attacks and posttraumatic stress disorder. They also work in treating generalized anxiety disorder. SNRIs are also beneficial in treating anxiety and increase serotonin and noradrenaline levels in the brain. These medications can also enhance the quality of sleep and lessen the symptoms of anxiety like dizziness, muscle tension, confusion and difficulty thinking clearly.
While SSRIs are a fantastic choice for treating anxiety, they may cause side effects, such as nausea, stomach upsets and drowsiness. These side effects are more noticeable in the initial one or two weeks of treatment. However, they should be less noticeable once your body has used to the medication.
Buspirone
The brand name Buspar has been discontinued however, the generic drug remains available as an anxiety treatment. This medication is an anxiolytic. It can help relieve anxiety-related symptoms and disorders, such as sweating and a pounding pulse. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside the brain.
Researchers believe that neurotransmitters play a role in the process. It is effective as an anti-anxiety drug however it isn't efficient for disorders that have episodes of extreme anxiety like panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not a good choice for treating depression or psychosis. The pill is typically taken orally, often two times a day. It can be taken without or with food, but it is important to follow a regular schedule to make sure that your body is used to the medication.
Patients with liver or kidney disease may need to take lower doses of this drug because their bodies process it slower. It is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Drinkers should stay away from alcohol and other substances that could affect the medication. It is essential to inform your doctor about any health issues or medications you take.
If BuSpar does not help reduce your anxiety or if you are not able to take it due to other medical conditions, your doctor can suggest other treatments. These include SSRIs like Prozac or Lexapro and antidepressants like Cymbalta or Effexor and benzodiazepines, like Xanax or Valium. Other medications that are effective in the short run are beta blockers such as propranolol, as well as SNRIs like duloxetine.
If needed, Klarity's online physician can prescribe these and other medications to treat your anxiety-related symptoms. We can even arrange a face-to-face appointment with a doctor in case you want to discuss your treatment options in person. Then you can go back to living your life and getting better faster. Contact Klarity today to learn more about how we can help you with your anxiety issues.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to relieve anxiety as well as heart problems. They work by blocking receptors in the heart that receive signals from stress-related chemical, like adrenaline. I Am Psychiatry binds with receptors in the heart and causes it to respond by increasing blood pressure and heart rate. The medications block the receptors and decrease the amount of adrenaline that flows through the heart, thereby reducing its effects such as trembling. They are the most effective in treating the physical symptoms of anxiety, like trembling or palpitations. They are particularly effective in the treatment of acute stress reactions and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as panic attacks. They are less helpful in cases of extreme trembling, such as that experienced by a violinist during a performance, or a person with a panic attack.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved beta-blockers for treating anxiety, many psychiatrists prescribe them "off label" to treat anxiety. Propranolol is an example. It can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, like flushing and sweating. It can ease symptoms for up to 4 hours. It is taken on a temporary or on a need-to-know basis, like prior to a medical procedure or public speaking event.
Beta-blockers are less addictive than benzodiazepines as they don't slow brain and nervous activity. Certain dietary supplements like garlic, saffron, and antioxidants have similar effects to beta-blockers, however they aren't FDA approved and research is mixed.
It isn't known how well beta blockers will aid in treating social anxiety and phobias that have more psychological components. However, it is known that if a person suffering from social anxiety takes beta-blockers before an event that causes stress they may experience more rapid and lasting symptoms relief than if they don't take beta-blockers. They can disrupt the cycle where the mind responds to body's reaction and causes physical symptoms of anxiety.
Beta blockers can alter the way that the body reacts to and recalls fearful memories. This may be the reason why patients suffering from PTSD or phobias that are specific to them experience improved symptoms when taking beta blockers.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), were among the first antidepressants discovered. They were effective for treating depression however they were thrown out of favour due to the potential side effects that could be triggered by certain foods or drug interactions. The understanding of MAO and its role in the regulation of neurotransmitter metabolism rate, has led to the development of selective inhibitors that avoid the cheese reactions' that led many to discontinue the drug.
MAOIs inhibit the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin in neurons, increasing their concentration in the brain. This leads to an increase in the amount of these neurotransmitters, which can alter brain circuits that modulate anxiety and other mood disorders.
These medications are prescribed to treat bipolar disorder in addition to depression. They can also be used to treat anxiety and other symptoms of psychiatry. These medications are especially beneficial for patients who do not respond well to other antidepressants or who are resistant to them.
MAOIs can cause a number of adverse effects that include diarrhea, dry mouth, sleepiness, sedation and changes in appetite. They can also cause low blood pressure when you go from a sitting to a standing position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension. They can also interact with a variety of medications which include antipsychotics.
MAOIs should not be used in patients suffering from pheochromocytoma, which is a tumor in the adrenal gland that may cause high blood pressure. In general, doctors only prescribe MAOIs for a short period of time and under careful supervision. Patients taking MAOIs should adhere to dietary guidelines that include avoiding certain foods that can cause a high level of tyramine levels in blood, which could result in a potentially dangerous adverse effect known as the "cheese reaction". MAOIs should also not be used for longer than two weeks before surgery. MAOIs are not recommended for those who have an history of substance abuse disorders, as they can trigger the relapse. People with a history or suicidal ideas and other mental health problems should not take MAOIs. They may also increase the risk of seizures for epilepsy sufferers.
