Types of Pills to Treat Anxiety
Anxiety in some degree is a normal response to the events in your life. If your anxiety is debilitating, and you are unable to sleep or functioning normally, you might require medication to treat it.
The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, buspirone and beta-blockers. SSRIs and SNRIs, which are antidepressants, can also be helpful.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are among the most popular kinds of drugs prescribed to treat anxiety. They work by increasing the activity of GABA which is a calming agent for the body. They can also assist you sleep and rest all through the night. The benzodiazepines are used in conjunction with other medications like antidepressants or pain relievers. However, they're not suitable for all. Patients with an history of abuse of substances or who have difficulty falling or staying asleep or have an illness that causes breathing problems should only take this medication under the strictest supervision. They should not be used by pregnant women or children.
Medicines like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are fast-acting and can provide immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. They are addictive and should not be used long-term. The long-term use of benzodiazepine may lead to serious complications such as respiratory depression and low blood pressure.
It is essential to talk to a doctor in case you suffer from anxiety. Psychiatrists are able to assess your mental and emotional health and recommend the best treatment. They may also recommend therapy and psychotherapy to address the root of your anxiety, which can be an essential element in getting over it.
Antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety in various ways however only doctors are able to prescribe them. SSRIs are a good example. They are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder. They are also useful in alleviating anxiety attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. SNRIs are also useful in treating anxiety, and they can increase the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. These drugs can improve the quality of sleep and reduce anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and dizziness.
SSRIs are a great option for treating anxiety. However, they can have side effects such as stomach upset, nausea and drowsiness. These side effects are more noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment. However, they will diminish once your body is used to the medication.
Buspirone
The brand name Buspar is no longer available however the generic drug remains available as an anxiety treatment. The medication is anxiolytic. It helps relieve anxiety-related symptoms and disorders, like sweating and an intense pulse. It works by changing the quantities of certain natural substances within the brain.
Researchers believe that neurotransmitters are involved in the process. While it is a highly effective anti-anxiety medication, it is not the most effective treatment for disorders that are characterized by episodes of extreme anxiety, like panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It's also not effective for psychosis or depression. The medication is usually taken orally, often twice a day. It can be taken with or without food. However, it is important that you stick to a strict schedule to help your body adjust to the medication.
This medication might require smaller doses for those with liver or kidney diseases, as their bodies will be able to process the medication more slowly. This medication is not advised for nursing or pregnant mothers. Drinkers should stay away from alcohol and other substances that could interfere with the medication. It is essential to inform your doctor about any health concerns or medications you are taking.
If BuSpar does not help reduce your anxiety or if you are unable to take it due to other medical ailments, your doctor might suggest alternative treatments. This includes SSRIs such as Prozac or Lexapro, antidepressants such as Cymbalta or Effexor, and benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium. Other medications that are effective in the short run are beta blockers, like propranolol, and SNRIs such as duloxetine.
Klarity's online doctor can prescribe these medicines and others to help treat your anxiety-related symptoms, if necessary. We can also arrange an appointment in person with a medical professional in case you want to discuss your treatment options in person. You can then go back to living your life and getting better faster. Contact Klarity today to learn more about how we can assist you with anxiety-related symptoms.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to reduce anxiety and heart ailments. They work by blocking receptors that receive signals from the heart from stress-related chemical like adrenaline. When adrenaline binds with these receptors and triggers the body to react by boosting blood pressure and heart rate. The medications block the receptors and lower the amount adrenaline that rushes through the heart, thus reducing its effects such as shaking. They are the most effective in dealing with the physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety, like trembling and palpitations. They are most effective in treating acute stress reactions, panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorders. They are less effective in cases of extreme trembling such as the trembling felt by a violinist or a person who is experiencing an anxiety attack.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved beta-blockers for treating anxiety, psychiatrists often prescribe them "off label" for this purpose. One example is propranolol which is a medication that helps alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety such as flushing, sweating, and a fast heartbeat. It can ease symptoms for up to 4 hours. iampsychiatry.com is used on a temporary or on an as-needed basis, for example prior to a medical procedure, or a public speaking event.
In contrast to benzodiazepines and beta-blockers, beta-blockers are not able to reduce brain and nervous system activity, and they are less prone to risk for addiction. Certain dietary supplements like antioxidants, garlic, and saffron have been shown to have beta-blocker-like effects, however, they aren't FDA-approved, and their research is mixed.
It is not known how effective beta blockers work to treat social anxiety and phobias with more psychological elements. It is known that beta-blockers are able to reduce symptoms faster and last longer if they are taken prior to the stress of the situation. This is because they disrupt the process of the mind reacting to body's responses which then triggers the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Preparing the medication prior to an anxiety-provoking situation can also alter the way in which the body recalls and responds to frightening memories, and this may be the reason why some people who have PTSD or specific phobias have improved symptoms when they are on beta blockers.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were among the first antidepressants to be discovered. They were effective for treating depression however, they fell out of favor because of the adverse effects that could be triggered by certain food items and drug interactions. Fortunately, the knowledge of MAO and its physiological role in regulating neurotransmitter metabolism allowed for the creation of selective inhibitors to can ward off the 'cheese effect which caused many to discontinue the medication.
MAOIs block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine as well as serotonin in neurons, thereby increasing their concentration in the brain. This increases the amount of neurotransmitters that may affect brain circuits responsible for anxiety and mood disorders.
These drugs are often prescribed to treat bipolar disorder conjunction with depression, but they can also be utilized to treat anxiety or other psychiatric symptoms. These drugs are especially useful for patients who do not respond well to other antidepressants, or who are resistant to them.
MAOIs can cause a range of adverse reactions, including diarrhea, dryness of the mouth, sleepiness and sedation. They can also alter appetite. They can also cause low pressure when you go from a sitting to standing position. This is known as orthostatic hypertension. In addition, they could interact with a range of medications, including some antipsychotics.
MAOIs are not recommended for patients with pheochromocytoma, a tumor in the adrenal gland that can cause high blood pressure. Doctors generally prescribe MAOIs only for short periods and with careful monitoring. Patients who are taking MAOIs are required to adhere to the dietary guidelines. This includes avoiding certain foods that can cause high levels tyramine. This can cause to a potentially dangerous side-effect known as the "cheese response". MAOIs should also not be taken for more than two weeks prior to surgery. Patients with an antecedent of addiction disorders should stay clear of them, since MAOIs could trigger the relapse. People with a history or suicidal thoughts or other mental health issues should not be taking MAOIs. They may also increase the risk of seizures in epilepsy sufferers.