While most people feel anxious now and again approximately 40 million people suffer from anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders and social phobia. Anxiety is often managed with antidepressant medications but they can take several weeks to diminish symptoms. Sedatives, beta blockers, certain herbs and changes in lifestyle may offer more instant relief from anxiety.
Types
Benzodiazepines have sedating effects that may be prescribed for fast relief from anxiety. Benzodiazepines can be habit forming and are generally recommended for short-term use.
Beta blockers may quickly improve the physical symptoms produced by anxiety like sweating, shaking and a racing heart according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Beta blockers obstruct the nerves that cause the heart to beat faster.
Herbal remedies including valerian and passionflower may also have calming effects that can decrease anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Benefits
Certain benzodiazepines may work best for specific anxiety disorders. For example clonazepam (Klonopin) is often prescribed for social phobia and GAD, lorazepam (Ativan) may be highly effective for panic disorder, and alprazolam (Xanax), may work best for panic disorder and GAD according the NIMH.
Beta blockers including atenolol (Tenormin) and propranolol (Inderal) may be most beneficial for scheduled events where you expect to feel anxious like an important meeting or speaking before an audience notes the NIMH.
In addition to their calming effects passionflower and valerian may also help treat insomnia.
Evidence
A French study found the beta blocker propranolol appears to useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The findings were published in September-October 1991 in the journal "Encephale."
An Iranian study published in October 2001 in the journal "Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics" suggests that Passiflora or passionflower extract is an effective herb for the management of generalized anxiety disorder.
Side Effects/Precautions
Side effects associated with benzodiazepines may include drowsiness, memory and balance problems as well as reduced muscle coordination.
Beta blockers may cause dizziness, fatigue and cold hands, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Valerian and passionflower are generally regarded as safe. The UMMC points out however that in some cases valerian may actually make anxiety worse.
Lifestyle Considerations
Exercising can help alleviate stress and promptly lift your mood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Meditation can also calm nerves and decrease anxiety. The relaxing effects from these activities may continue through the day.
Prevention/Solution
Seek out professional help if anxiety is interfering with your life. The sooner you seek treatment the easier it may be to rectify according to the Mayo Clinic.
Write down events and situations that trigger feelings of stress and anxiety that you can share with your doctor or therapist.
You may be able to prevent or diminish anxiety by paying closer attention to how you spend your time and energy and make adjustments that can lessen stress.
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References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anxiety Disorders
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Valerian
- "Psychiatria Polska"; Effects of Exercise on Anxiety, Depression, and Mood; M. Guszkowska; July-Aug. 2004
