Three Common Reasons Your Anxiety Treatments Medication Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)
Anxiety Treatments Medication
If you are suffering with anxiety or panic attacks it is essential to seek professional help. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as decreasing stress and engaging in regular exercise. Your doctor may also recommend psychotherapy.
The FDA has approved a variety of medications for anxiety disorders, including SSRIs and SNRIs, which affect the neurotransmitter serotonin. Anticonvulsants such as pregabalin can help reduce anxiety by affecting GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are drugs that act on the nervous system to produce an calming effect. They work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) in the brain. GABA inhibits the activity of nerves within the brain and spinal cord and helps reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to begin working. However, benzodiazepines carry high risks of dependency and abuse. The body becomes accustomed to benzodiazepines once they are used regularly. This could cause physical dependence. Benzodiazepines can be an effective treatment when other methods do not work or aren't available.
It is important to consult your physician prior to taking benzodiazepines. They will be able to help you determine the cause of your anxiety and discuss other options that may be more appropriate. For example therapy that involves talking, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can help to address the root cause of your anxiety and teach you strategies for coping.
Benzodiazepines are not typically utilized as the first choice for treating anxiety disorders because they can have dangerous side effects when combined with alcohol or other narcotics. They can also be addicting and carry a high overdose risk. The first benzodiazepines - chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol), were introduced in 1950, then followed by diazepam, (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these drugs come with a black-box warning that states that they can cause serious or life-threatening side effects, such as extreme sleepiness, breathing issues as well as coma and death when combined together with opioids or other illegal drugs.
SSRIs
SSRIs are a category of antidepressant medicines that are typically the first choice of those suffering from anxiety. They boost the levels of certain chemical messengers, namely serotonin (and norepinephrine) in the brain. They also help regulate other important chemicals, including those that control mood and sleep, and reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body. Prozac is the most frequently prescribed SSRI. Other SSRIs include Lexapro Zoloft and Paxil. The SNRIs are Effexor XR Cymbalta and Pristiq.
Experts aren't quite sure how SSRIs can help with anxiety, however they do know that the medications help improve the functioning of your brain. They boost BDNF (brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels, boost the glial cells (brain cells that help nourish and protect neurons), and increase serotonin levels. The precise mechanism of action isn't fully understood however it could involve the combination of several factors.
As with other medications, SSRIs can take 1 month to start working and require frequent treatment to maintain the benefits. They can trigger adverse effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. They can also lead to low sodium levels in some individuals, and may affect libido for certain men. Your doctor will decide the length of time you should take them based on your symptoms as well as any other treatments you're taking. They might suggest that you continue taking these medications for a period of six to 12 months or work with you to reduce or stop taking the medication. They might also suggest other treatments, such as psychotherapy or supplements and herbs to treat anxiety-related issues like Vistaril for itching or the chamomile herb to help sleep.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers (also called beta-adrenergic blockers) block adrenaline's binding with your heart's receptors. This relaxes the heart and lowers blood pressure. They are often prescribed for anxiety and can be a great alternative to traditional psychotropic medications that have some side effects.
Although beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root causes of your stress. They are usually employed to control specific situations that trigger anxiety, such as public speaking or flying. They can be used in combination with therapy to treat the underlying anxiety disorder or used on their own as a long-term daily medication.
Beta blockers can cause a range of adverse effects due to their method of working, including hypotension, bradycardia and other conditions. They can cause you to feel shaken and sweaty. People with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or diabetes should not take them.
Beta blockers are widely studied and used despite their negative effects. They've been on market for years and are considered safe for a majority of adults. In comparison, they are relatively affordable and easily accessible. For many, the side effects are worth it in exchange for their effectiveness.
Taking beta-blockers as part of an treatment plan for anxiety is a good idea for people suffering from moderate to mild anxiety. They are more effective than benzodiazepines which are ideal for severe or life-threatening anxiety disorders. They will not fix the underlying problem, and are recommended for short-term anxiety such as prior to an important event such as a flight or speech. In addition to reducing anxiety, they can help you sleep better and manage your blood sugar.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) block the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. They block the breakdown of serotonin the melatonin hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine within neurons and increase their ability to transmit. They are primarily known as effective antidepressants and have some effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. They can be used alone or in combination with other medications. They can also be used to treat Parkinson's and other ailments. Eugenol is an essential oil that is found in the bud, leaf and the stem of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and in the bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Eugenol has been found to have MAOI inhibitory activity in a test tube, and could interact with these drugs.
MAOIs can have severe adverse effects, which is why they are not the primary medications that doctors recommend for treating depression or anxiety. They are usually reserved for those who haven't been able to respond to other medications. They can also be used to treat a variety other disorders, such as Parkinson's and fibromyalgia. They can lead to low blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying position, which is known as orthostatic hypotension.
The most common MAOIs are phenelzine isocarboxazid 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, while tranylcypromine is been recommended for its favorable side effects. These drugs are not as efficient as SSRIs for most patients however, they can be useful in treating certain types of depression and anxiety disorders.
The newest reversible MAOIs, such as selegiline and moclobemide, are less harmful than the older irreversible MAOIs. They are also more effective than older MAOIs at increasing the levels of monoamines implicated in depressive disorders. They are less likely than older MAOIs to cause high blood pressure, however they still carry a risk of developing a dependence on pharmacological drugs.
Buspirone
For those suffering from anxiety using a combination of medications and psychological therapies is usually the most effective treatment. The use of medications can ease symptoms but only under the supervision of a doctor. There are a variety of medications that can be used to combat anxiety. They can work differently for each person. Discuss with your doctor about your symptoms and he will prescribe the right medication for you.
Buspirone is an FDA-approved drug, works by modulating neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It can reduce anxiety and mood symptoms without the feeling of sedation. It's also less likely to become habit-forming than other sedatives, like benzodiazepines. This makes it a good option for those who wish to reduce their anxiety, but don't want to use drugs such as Xanax.
SSRIs or SNRIs are often the first treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder. They are antidepressants that increase a person's serotonin levels and can aid in regulating mood. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with anxiety medication like benzodiazepines. However, they are generally not prescribed for prolonged periods because they can become addictive and can have side effects like drowsiness.
Besides medication and psychological treatments, psychological treatments for GAD have been shown to be efficient in the short-term and can improve outcomes over time. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) exposure therapy, and art or creative therapies. Psychological therapy can teach people strategies to control their anxiety and depression, which can help them manage symptoms and live a fuller life. In alternative treatments for anxiety that many of these treatments are now accessible online and are covered by insurance. Brightside, for example, is an online therapy program that provides CBT, as well as other depression and anxiety treatments.