14 Cartoons About Anxiety Treatments Medication That'll Brighten Your Day Anxiety Treatments Medication

If you are suffering with anxiety or panic attacks It is crucial to seek help from a professional. Changes in your lifestyle, such as reducing your stress and engaging in regular physical activity, are among the treatment options. Your doctor might also suggest psychological therapy.

The FDA has approved several medicines for anxiety disorders, including SSRIs and SNRIs, which affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Anticonvulsants like pregabalin can also reduce anxiety by altering the GABA receptor.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines help to calm the nervous system by acting upon it. They work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) in the brain. GABA inhibits the function of nerves in the brain and spinal cord and, consequently, helps reduce anxiety.

Benzodiazepines can ease anxiety symptoms in a matter of minutes unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to work. Benzodiazepines are high-risk drugs for abuse and dependency. This is because the body adjusts to benzodiazepines through regular use, which can lead to physical dependence. Despite the risk, benzodiazepines can be a successful treatment for anxiety, even when other options aren't available or don't provide relief.

It is crucial to talk with your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They can help you identify the root of your anxiety and suggest other treatments that may be more appropriate. Talking therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and others can help you address the root cause of your anxiety. They will also teach you techniques for coping.

Benzodiazepines aren't usually the first in the treatment of anxiety disorders since they can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol or other drugs. They are also addictive and have a high overdose risk. The first benzodiazepines came out in the 1950s with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) followed by diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these medications come with a black box warning that states that they could cause serious or life-threatening side effects, such as breathing problems, severe sleepiness or coma and even death if taken with opioids or illegal drugs.

SSRIs

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant drugs, and they're the first choice for many people with anxiety. These medications increase levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine. They also help regulate other crucial chemicals, including the ones that control sleep and mood and lower the levels of stress hormones within your body. Prozac is the most commonly prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro, Zoloft, and Paxil and SNRIs include Effexor XR, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.

Experts aren't certain exactly what SSRIs do to treat anxiety, but they do know the drugs enhance the brain's function. They boost BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, increase the number of glial cells (brain cells that support, nourish and protect your neuronal cells) and boost serotonin levels. The exact mechanism behind this action isn't understood fully but it could be a combination of factors.

Like other types of medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to begin working and require frequent treatment to maintain the benefits. They can cause side effects, including diarrhea and nausea. Some men may notice a decline in libido as well as sodium levels. Your doctor will determine the amount of time you should take them based on your symptoms and any other treatments you're using. They may recommend that you take these medications for a period of six to 12 months or work with you to taper off and stop the medication. They might also suggest alternative treatments like psychotherapy, herbs, and supplements to combat anxiety-related symptoms. For example, Vistaril can be used for itching, and chamomile can help you sleep.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers, also referred to as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, prevent adrenaline from binding to the heart's receptors. This relaxes your heart and lowers blood pressure. They are typically prescribed for anxiety and are an excellent alternative to traditional psychiatric medications that carry some side effects.

While beta-blockers can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't solve the mental reasons behind your anxiety. Typically, they are employed to deal with specific situations which trigger anxiety, such as speaking in public and flying. They can be used in conjunction with therapy to treat the root of the anxiety disorder or on their own as long-term daily medication.

Beta blockers can cause a variety of adverse reactions due to their way of working, which includes bradycardia, hypotension, and a variety of other conditions. You might also feel shakey or sweaty. People with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or diabetes should not take them.


Beta blockers are commonly studied and used despite their side effects. They've been on the market for a long time and are considered safe for most adults. They're also relatively inexpensive and easily accessible when compared with other medications. For many who are concerned about the risk of side effects is a worthwhile trade-off for their effectiveness.

Beta-blockers are a great option for mild to moderate anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are best for those suffering from severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. They can't address the root of your problem, and are recommended to ease anxiety in the short term, like before an important event like the flight or speech. They can aid in sleeping better, and they can also regulate your blood sugar.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They enhance the availability of serotonin as well as other neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine and melatonin for transmission by preventing their breakdown in neurons. They are most well-known as effective antidepressants and have some efficacy in anxiety disorders. They can be taken as a stand-alone or together. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease and various other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil, can be found in the bud leaves, stems, and leaves of clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) and the cinnamon bark. Eugenol has been shown to inhibit MAOI in a test tube, and could interact with these drugs.

MAOIs can cause serious side effects, and therefore they aren't the first medications that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. They are typically reserved for those who haven't had a response to other medications. They can also be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as the fibromyalgia and Parkinson's diseases. They can cause low pressure when you stand up from a lying or seated position. This is called orthostatic hypertension.

MAOIs are commonly used to treat panic disorder, atypical depression, and tranylcypromine. Phenelzine has been studied in a small way in panic disorder, and is the drug that is recommended for patients suffering from atypical depression, whereas tranylcypromine has been recommended due to its favorable side effects. These drugs aren't as effective as SSRIs for all patients however, they can be beneficial in treating certain kinds of anxiety and depression.

The newest reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide, are less harmful than the irreversible MAOIs of the past. They are more effective at increasing the levels of monoamines involved in depression disorders than older MAOIs. They are less likely than older MAOIs to trigger high blood pressure, but there is a risk of developing a pharmacological dependence.

Buspirone

For patients with anxiety using a combination of medications and psychological therapies is often the best treatment. The use of medication can reduce symptoms but only under the supervision of a physician. There are many different medicines for anxiety, and they can perform differently for each individual. To determine which one is right for you, talk to your doctor and discuss your symptoms.

Buspirone is an FDA-approved anxiety medication, works by regulating neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It helps reduce anxiety and mood disorders without the feeling of sedation. It's also less likely to be more habit-forming than other sedatives such as benzodiazepines. This makes it an excellent choice for people who are looking to manage their anxiety, but don't want to use drugs like Xanax.

SSRIs and SNRIs are usually the first option for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These antidepressants can help regulate mood and increase levels of serotonin. They are usually used as a part of anxiety-related medications such as benzodiazepines. They are not usually prescribed for long periods of time because they can be addictive and have negative side effects, such as drowsiness.

Psychological treatments for GAD such as medication have been proven to be effective in the short-term and may improve the outcome over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exposure therapy, as well as creative or artistic therapies. Psychological therapy can help people learn strategies to control their depression and anxiety which can help them manage symptoms and live a full life. A lot of these treatments are accessible on the internet, and some might be covered by insurance. Brightside, for example, is an online therapy program that provides CBT, as well as other treatments for depression and anxiety.