Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to 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 of choice for most anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder , including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have negative effects, such as nausea and digestive issues, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't well understood. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but have more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also generally recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol and other substances.
The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they have 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 many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior in order to are less stressed.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. They all share similar physical properties, but each has its own unique side effects profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when 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 however, they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should only be used for a brief period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time to ensure you don't suffer a severe reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your past history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.
If you are stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They are able to block adrenaline's binding actions. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who need to deliver speeches in public or fly on planes. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective at alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't treat the root of the disorder. As a result, they are typically used as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and current health condition. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) were created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only in cases where other antidepressants have failed, since they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other drugs and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.