Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive problems, but these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and anxiety disorders and other mental conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which can improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. It is still essential to follow your prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, however they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs like alcohol.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their first choice. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior to are less stressed.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of adverse effects, although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as compared to Quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for a long time, but they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within the nervous system. This stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly 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're stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding action. This helps to lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are a good choice for people who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For example, those who have to give an address in public or travel in a plane. They are also ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the underlying cause of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best med for generalized anxiety disorder for you depending on your medical history and current health status. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety disorders medications and depression disorders. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood, and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs can reduce anxiety disorder levels. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first 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 consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause a dangerous 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 drugs and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods to avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the drug. They might also provide you with the list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.