Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medication and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety can take several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems However, these tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can enhance their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications may be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause a number of side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
Medications are often the first thing people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to change your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as much.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most popular benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct list of side effects but they all have similar pharmacological properties. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for a long time, but they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.
When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who need to deliver speeches in public or fly on a plane. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. This is why they are usually prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you according to your medical history and your health. The use of these medicines can cause side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. best medication for anxiety disorder was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken after other antidepressants have failed, since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found that is found in many red meats, cheeses, fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. He or she will also provide a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.