Types of Pills to Treat Anxiety
A certain amount of anxiety is a normal reaction to what is happening in your life. But, if your anxiety is causing you to be depressed and keeps you from sleeping or operating normally, you may require medication to manage it.
The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, buspirone and beta-blockers. SSRIs and SNRIs, which are antidepressants, are also a good option.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, one of the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat anxiety, are a form of medication that is used quite often. They help by increasing the activity of GABA in the brain, which calms the body. These drugs can also help you to relax and sleep through the night. Benzodiazepines are often employed in conjunction with other medications, such as antidepressants and pain relievers. However, they're not suitable for everyone. Those with a history or drug abuse, who have difficulty falling or staying asleep, or suffering from breathing problems or medical conditions should use this medication under the strictest supervision. These medications should not be taken by children or pregnant women.
The medications such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are fast-acting and provide immediate relief from symptoms of anxiety. They can be addictive and should not be used long-term. Long-term benzodiazepine use can result in serious complications, such as respiratory depression or low blood pressure, and even death.
If you're suffering from anxiety, it's crucial to speak with an expert in healthcare. Psychiatrists can assess your mental and physical health and recommend the most appropriate method of treatment for you. They can also suggest psychotherapy and therapy to address the root causes of anxiety. This can be essential to overcome this condition.
Antidepressants can be used to combat anxiety in different ways, but only doctors can prescribe them. SSRIs, for example, are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder and are also useful in alleviating panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. SNRIs are also beneficial in treating anxiety and can increase the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. These medications can enhance the ability of a person to sleep and can reduce anxiety-related symptoms like dizziness and muscle tension.
SSRIs can be an excellent option for treating anxiety. However, they can have adverse effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, and the feeling of drowsiness. These side effects are more noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment. However, they should subside once your body gets used to the medication.
Buspirone
The brand name Buspar is no longer available, but the generic drug can still be used to treat anxiety. The medication is an anxiolytic, which means it aids in relieving anxiety-related disorders and symptoms like insomnia sweating, a pounding heartbeat. It is a drug that alters the quantity of certain natural substances inside the brain.
The exact mechanism of action is unclear however, researchers believe it is a result of neurotransmitters within the brain. Although it is an effective anti-anxiety medication, it is not very effective for disorders that cause extreme anxiety, like panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not effective in treating psychosis or depression. The medication is usually taken orally, often twice a day. It can be taken either with or without food. However, it is important that you stick to a strict schedule to get your body used to the medication.
This medication could require smaller doses for those with kidney or liver diseases because their bodies process the medication slower. It is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. People should avoid alcoholic beverages and other drugs that can interact with the medication. It is important to tell your doctor about any health concerns or medications you take.
If BuSpar doesn't relieve your anxiety, or if cannot take it due to other medical conditions your doctor might suggest a different method of treatment. These include SSRIs such as Prozac or Lexapro, antidepressants such as Cymbalta or Effexor and benzodiazepines, like Xanax or Valium. Beta blockers such as propranolol as well as SNRIs like duloxetine also work in the short-term.
If needed the online doctor at Klarity can prescribe these and other medications to treat your anxiety-related symptoms. We can even arrange an appointment in person with a healthcare provider if you need to discuss your treatment options in person. You can then get back to your normal routine and feeling better quicker. Contact Klarity today to find more about how we can assist you deal with your anxiety issues.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat heart conditions, but they can also help relieve anxiety. They work by blocking the heart's receptors that receive signals from stress-related chemical like adrenaline. When adrenaline binds to these receptors, it causes the body to react by boosting the heart rate and blood pressure. Drugs that block these receptors reduce the amount of adrenaline rushing through the heart and prevent its effects, including shaking. They are most effective in treating somatic symptoms of anxiety, like trembling or palpitations. They are most effective in treating acute anxiety attacks, panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder. They are not as effective in cases of severe anxiety, such as the trembling experienced by a violinist or a person who is experiencing an anxiety attack.
Many psychiatrists prescribe beta-blockers "off label" to treat anxiety even when the FDA has not approved them for this use. Propranolol is an example. It helps to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, including flushing and sweating. It can provide up to four hours of symptom relief. It is taken on a short-term or on an as-needed basis, for example prior to a medical procedure or public speaking event.
Beta-blockers are not as addictive as benzodiazepines because they do not slow the brain or nervous activity. Certain supplements in the diet like antioxidants like garlic, saffron, or saffron, have been proven to have beta-blocker-like effects, but these are not FDA-approved and the research on them is mixed.
It isn't known how effective beta blockers help treat social anxiety and phobias that contain more psychological elements. Beta-blockers can lessen symptoms faster and last longer if they are taken prior to a stressful situation. This is due to the fact that they interrupt the cycle of the mind reacting to the body's responses and triggers the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Taking the medication before an anxiety-provoking situation can also alter the way the body recalls and responds to fearful memories. This could be the reason why some people with PTSD or phobias specific to their situation report improved symptoms while on beta blockers.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), were among the first antidepressants to be discovered. They were effective in treating depression however, they were not popular due to the adverse effects that were triggered by certain food and drug interactions. Fortunately, the knowledge of MAO and its role in regulating neurotransmitter metabolism allowed for the creation of selective inhibitors that avoid the 'cheese reaction' that caused many people to quit taking the medication.
MAOIs block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine as well as serotonin in neurons, increasing their concentration in the brain. This increases the availability of neurotransmitters that may affect brain circuits responsible for anxiety and other mood disorders.
These medications are used to treat bipolar disorders in addition to depression. They can also be used to treat anxiety or any other symptoms of psychiatry. These medications are particularly beneficial for patients who do not respond well to other antidepressants or are resistant to them.
MAOIs can cause a variety of adverse reactions, including dry mouth, diarrhea, sleepiness, sedation, as well as changes in appetite. They can also cause low pressure when you go from a sitting to a standing position. This is known as orthostatic hypertension. In addition, they could interact with a variety of medications, including antipsychotics.
MAOIs are also contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma. This is an adrenal gland that can cause high blood pressure. In general, doctors prescribe MAOIs for short periods of time and under careful supervision. Patients taking MAOIs should adhere to the dietary guidelines, which include avoidance of certain foods that could cause a high level of tyramine in the blood, which can lead to a dangerous side effect referred to as the 'cheese reaction'. MAOIs shouldn't take for more than two weeks prior to surgery. People with an antecedent of addiction disorders should stay clear of them, because MAOIs can cause relapse. People who have a history of suicidal thoughts and other mental health problems should not take MAOIs. meds to treat anxiety can also increase the risk of seizures for people with epilepsy.