Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Can Be More Dangerous Than You Believed Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. 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 to treat anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.


SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. It is still crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and various mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs such as alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people look for when they have an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share the same pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effects characteristic. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they are not recommended for long-term use since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and your breathing during this period to ensure you don't suffer a severe reaction. Consult your physician when you're considering taking the use of a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.

When you are anxious, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who must give speeches in public or fly on planes. Additionally, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and an ongoing heart condition, such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of depression and anxiety disorders. However, anxiety anxiety disorders are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and carry warnings about suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend 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 later discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplements. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. They may also give you an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.