Types of Pills to Treat Anxiety
Anxiety can be an expected response to events that occur in your life. However, if your anxiety is debilitating and keeps you from sleeping or functioning normally, you might require medication to manage it.
Beta-blockers and benzodiazepines are among the medications that can be used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants SSRIs or SNRIs can be beneficial.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are among the most popular kinds of drugs prescribed to combat anxiety. They work by enhancing the function of GABA in the brain, which helps to relax the body. Iam Psychiatry cause drowsiness, which can aid in falling asleep and sleep through the night. Benzodiazepines are frequently used in combination with other medications, like antidepressants and pain relievers. They are not suitable for everyone, though. People with a history of drug abuse, who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or those who suffer from breathing issues or medical conditions should only take this medication under the strictest supervision. Pregnant women and children should not take these drugs.
Drugs such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium (diazepam), are fast-acting. They can provide instant relief from anxiety-related symptoms. However, they are physically addictive and not recommended for long-term use. Long-term benzodiazepine usage can lead to serious complications such as respiratory depression and low blood pressure.
If you're suffering from anxiety, it's essential to speak to an expert in healthcare. Psychiatrists can assess your mental and physical health and recommend the best method of treatment for you. They may also recommend psychotherapy and therapy to address the root cause of your anxiety, which is an essential element in overcoming anxiety.
Antidepressants are used to combat anxiety in a variety of ways but only doctors are able to prescribe them. SSRIs for instance, are effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder. They are also useful in alleviating panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. SNRIs can also be used to combat anxiety. They increase the levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain. They can also enhance the ability of a person to sleep and lessen the symptoms of anxiety like muscle tension, dizziness, confusion and difficulty thinking clearly.
While SSRIs are an excellent choice to treat anxiety, they may cause negative side effects, like nausea, stomach upsets and drowsiness. These side effects can be more prominent during the first 1 or 2 weeks of treatment, however, they should diminish as your body adjusts to the medication.
Buspirone
The brand name Buspar is no longer available, but the generic drug is available as a treatment for anxiety. It is an anxiolytic. This means that it can help relieve anxiety-related disorders and symptoms like insomnia, sweating, and an accelerated heartbeat. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain.
Researchers believe that neurotransmitters are involved in the action. It is effective as an anti-anxiety drug however, it is not 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 pills are usually taken orally twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. However it is crucial to adhere to a regular schedule to help your body adjust to the medication.
This medication might be required to be taken in lower doses by people with liver or kidney problems since their bodies process the medication slower. This medication is not recommended for nursing or pregnant mothers. It is recommended to avoid alcohol as well as other drugs that may interact with the medication. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any health concerns or medications you take.
If BuSpar does not alleviate your anxiety, or you are unable to take it due to any other medical issues, your doctor may recommend other forms of treatment. These include SSRIs such as Prozac or Lexapro or antidepressants like Cymbalta or Effexor and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium. Beta blockers like propranolol as well as SNRIs such as duloxetine are also effective in the short-term.
If you need to Klarity's online doctor can prescribe these and other medications to help treat your anxiety symptoms. We can also arrange a face-to-face appointment with a doctor in case you want to discuss your treatment options in person. You can then go back to living your life and feeling better faster. Contact Klarity today to find more about how we can help you manage your anxiety.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to relieve anxiety as well as heart conditions. They work by blocking receptors that receive signals from the heart from stress-related chemicals like adrenaline. Adrenaline binds to receptors in the heart, causing it to react by increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Drugs that block these receptors decrease the amount of adrenaline rushing through the heart and block its effects, like shaking. They are most effective in treating the somatic symptoms associated with anxiety, including trembling and palpitations. They are most useful in the treatment of acute stress reactions, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as panic attacks. They are less effective in cases of extreme shaking such as that felt by a violinist or a person who is experiencing an anxiety attack.
Many psychiatrists prescribe beta-blockers "off label" to treat anxiety when the FDA has not approved them for that purpose. One example is propranolol, which can help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, such as flushing, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. It can provide up to four hours of relief from symptoms. It is usually taken in a short-term or on an as-needed basis, such as prior to a medical procedure or public speaking event.
Beta-blockers aren't as addictive as benzodiazepines since they do not slow the activity of the brain and nervous system. Certain dietary supplements like garlic, saffron, and antioxidants have the same effect as beta-blockers but aren't FDA approved and the research is mixed.
It isn't known how effective beta-blockers work against phobias or social anxieties which are more psychological components. Beta-blockers can reduce symptoms more quickly and last longer if they are taken prior to a stressful situation. This is because they interrupt the process of the mind reacting to body's responses and triggers the physical symptoms of anxiety.
The medication taken prior to an anxiety-provoking situation can also alter the way the body remembers and reacts to frightening memories. This could be 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 discovered. They were effective for treating depression however, they fell out of favor because of the side effects that could be triggered by certain foods and drug interactions. Fortunately, the knowledge of MAO and its physiological role in the regulation of neurotransmitter metabolism has led to the development of selective inhibitors that can ward off the 'cheese effect which led many to quit taking the medication.
MAOIs interfere with the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine as well as serotonin in neurons, thereby increasing their concentration within the brain. This increases the amount of neurotransmitters that may affect brain circuits responsible for anxiety and other mood disorders.
These medications are typically prescribed to treat bipolar disorder in addition to depression, but they can also be employed as a treatment for anxiety or other psychiatric issues. They are particularly beneficial for patients who don't respond to other antidepressants or who are resistant to them.
MAOIs may cause a variety of adverse reactions, such as dryness of the mouth, sleepiness, and sedation. They may also alter appetite. They can also cause low pressure when you move from a sitting position to a standing position. This is known as orthostatic hypertension. In addition, they may interact with a variety of drugs, including antipsychotics.
MAOIs are not recommended for patients suffering from pheochromocytoma, which is a tumor in the adrenal gland that can cause high blood pressure. MAOIs are generally prescribed only for brief periods and with careful monitoring. Patients taking MAOIs should adhere to the dietary guidelines, which include avoiding certain foods that can cause a high level of tyramine levels in blood, which could cause a serious side effect referred to as the "cheese reaction". MAOIs should also not be used for more than two weeks prior to surgery. MAOIs are not recommended for those with a history of addiction disorders, as they may cause the relapse. People who have a history of suicidal thoughts or other mental health problems should not take MAOIs. They can also increase seizures in people with epilepsy.