Types of Pills to Treat Anxiety
Anxiety in some degree is a normal reaction to what is happening in your life. If your anxiety is debilitating, and keeps you from sleeping or functioning normally, you might need medication to treat it.
The medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines and buspirone and beta-blockers. Antidepressants SSRIs or SNRIs could be beneficial.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, one of the most frequently prescribed medications to treat anxiety, are a form of medication that is used often. They help by increasing the activity of GABA which is a calming agent for the body. These drugs can also help you to fall asleep and sleep all night. Benzodiazepines can be used in conjunction with other medications like antidepressants or pain relievers. They are not appropriate for everyone, however. People with a history of substance abuse or who have difficulty getting or staying asleep, or suffer from an illness that causes breathing issues should only use this medication under strict supervision. It is not recommended to use by children or pregnant women.
The medications like Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam) are quick-acting and can provide immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. They can be addictive and should not be used long-term. Long-term benzodiazepine use can result in serious complications including respiratory depression, low blood pressure and death.
It is crucial to speak with a medical professional when you are suffering from anxiety. Psychologists are able to evaluate your emotional and mental health and recommend the most appropriate treatment. They can also suggest therapy and psychotherapy to address the root causes of anxiety. This could be essential to overcome this condition.
Antidepressants can be used to combat anxiety in various ways, but only doctors can prescribe them. SSRIs are beneficial in treating anxiety attacks and posttraumatic stress disorder. They also work in treating generalized anxiety disorder. SNRIs are also useful in treating anxiety and increase the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. These medications can enhance the quality of sleep, and reduce anxiety symptoms such as dizziness and muscle tension.
treat generalized anxiety disorder can be an excellent option for treating anxiety. However, they could have adverse effects, such as nausea, stomach upset, and drowsiness. These side effects may be more apparent in the first two weeks of treatment, but they should subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
Buspirone
The brand name Buspar is no longer available however, the generic drug remains available as a treatment for anxiety. This medication is an anxiolytic. It can help relieve anxiety disorders and symptoms, like sweating and the pounding of your pulse. It does this by altering the amount of certain natural substances in the brain.
The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but researchers believe that it is a result of neurotransmitters within the brain. Although it is an effective anti-anxiety medication, it's not as effective for conditions that involve episodes of severe anxiety, such as panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is also not effective for psychosis or depression. The pills are usually taken orally, usually every day twice. It can be taken either with or without food. However it is essential to adhere to a routine to get your body accustomed to the medication.
This medication might require lower doses by people with kidney or liver diseases, as their bodies will process the medication slower. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. Avoid alcohol and other drugs which can interact with the medicine. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any health concerns or medications you are taking.
If BuSpar does not alleviate your anxiety or if you are in a position to not take it due to other medical ailments, your doctor might recommend other forms of treatment. These could include SSRIs like Prozac and Lexapro, antidepressants, like Cymbalta and Effexor or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium. Other medications that work in the short term are beta blockers, like propranolol, and SNRIs such as duloxetine.
Klarity's online doctor can prescribe these pills and other medications to treat your anxiety symptoms, if required. If you want to discuss your treatment options with a medical professional, we can set up an appointment with them in person. You can then return to your life faster and feel better quicker. Contact Klarity today to learn more about how we can assist you manage your anxiety.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to alleviate anxiety and heart problems. They function by blocking receptors that receive signals in the heart from stress-related chemicals like adrenaline. Adrenaline binds to receptors in the heart and causes it to respond by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. These medications block the receptors and lower the amount of adrenaline rushing through the heart, thus reducing its effects like trembling. They are the most effective in treating the physical symptoms of anxiety such as palpitations and trembling. They are particularly effective in treating acute anxiety attacks, panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorders. They are less effective in cases of severe 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 although the FDA has not approved them for this purpose. Propranolol is an example. It can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, like flushing and sweating. It can help alleviate symptoms for up to four hours. It is used on a temporary or on an as-needed basis, for example before a medical procedure or public speaking events.
Beta-blockers aren't as addictive as benzodiazepines as they don't slow the activity of the brain and nervous system. Some dietary supplements such as garlic, saffron and antioxidants can have the same effects as beta-blockers but aren't FDA approved and the research on them is mixed.
It is not clear how effective beta-blockers work against phobias or social anxieties that have more psychological components. However, it is well-known that if someone with social anxiety is taking beta-blockers prior a stressful event they will experience more rapid and lasting symptoms relief than if they did not take beta-blockers. This is because they can disrupt the cycle of the mind reacting to the body's responses which then causes physical symptoms of anxiety.
Taking the medication before an event that causes anxiety could alter the way in which the body remembers and responds to traumatic memories, and this may 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 oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were among the first antidepressants to be discovered. They proved effective in treating depression, but fell out of favour because of side effects that were triggered by certain food and drug interactions. Fortunately, the growing understanding of MAO and its physiological function in regulating neurotransmitter metabolism allowed for the creation of selective inhibitors to avoid the 'cheese reaction' that caused many people to stop taking the medication.
MAOIs inhibit the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine down and serotonin neurons, increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This leads to an increase in the supply of these neurotransmitters, which can alter brain circuits that regulate anxiety and other mood disorders.
They are usually prescribed to treat bipolar disorder addition to depression, but they can also be employed as a treatment for anxiety or other psychiatric issues. These medications are particularly beneficial for patients who don't respond well to other antidepressants or who are resistant to them.
MAOIs may cause a variety of adverse reactions, like dryness, diarrhea the mouth, sleepiness, and sedation. They can also affect appetite. They can also cause low blood pressure when transferring from a sitting position to standing which is known as orthostatic hypotension. They may also interact with a variety of medications such as antipsychotics.
MAOIs should not be used in patients with pheochromocytoma, a tumor in the adrenal gland that can cause high blood pressure. MAOIs are generally prescribed only for short durations and with careful monitoring. Patients who are taking MAOIs must adhere to dietary guidelines that include avoidance of certain foods that could cause a high level of tyramine in blood, which can cause a serious side effect called the 'cheese reaction'. MAOIs shouldn't take longer than two weeks prior to surgery. Those who have an history of substance use disorders should stay clear of them, since MAOIs could cause relapse. They are not recommended for individuals who have the history of suicidal ideas or other mental health issues. They can also cause increased seizures in people who have epilepsy.