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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety is the most common mental health condition, impacting the lives ofĀ 40 million American adults. While many people are prescribed prescription medications to treat their anxiety symptoms, some may turn to herbal alternatives to use in place of ā or in addition to ā other treatments.
But before you add one of these products to your regimen, know that theseĀ supplementsĀ arenāt subject to the same scrutiny asĀ prescription medicationsĀ to prove their safety and effectiveness. And most importantly, they may cause seriousĀ side effects and interactionsĀ if not used carefully under medical supervision.
In this article, weāll review seven natural remedies that you may see on the pharmacy shelf, and whatās currently known about their safety and effectiveness in helping with anxiety symptoms.
There are several differentĀ anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety. Prescription medications and psychotherapy ā or a combination of the two ā are commonly used asĀ treatment.
Several prescription medications are FDA-approved for anxiety disorders. Each medication class works by affecting different chemicals in your brain that are thought to be associated with anxiety.
Examples of medications used to treat anxiety disorders include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) likeĀ escitalopramĀ (Lexapro) andĀ paroxetineĀ (Paxil)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) likeĀ duloxetineĀ (Cymbalta)
BenzodiazepinesĀ likeĀ alprazolamĀ (Xanax),Ā clonazepamĀ (Klonopin),Ā diazepamĀ (Valium), andĀ lorazepamĀ (Ativan)
BuspironeĀ (Buspar)
SSRIs and SNRIs are consideredĀ first-lineĀ medications forĀ generalized anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines and buspirone are both consideredĀ second-lineĀ treatment options.
Psychotherapy can also complement prescription medications. For example,Ā cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)Ā ā a type of talk therapy ā looks to help people with anxiety understand and work through their thoughts and behaviors. CBT is considered aĀ first-lineĀ treatment option for GAD.
If youāre experiencing anxiety, itās best to talk to a healthcare professional about your treatment options ā especially if your symptoms are severe or interfering with your daily life.
Prescription medications and psychotherapy can help many people manage their anxiety symptoms. But if youāre interested in trying natural alternatives, SHOP NOW
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