Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Is Your Next Big Obsession Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't well understood. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, which in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. It is still crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs can be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products, red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. In addition, it is generally recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used recreationally, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually resort to medication as their first option. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as much.

Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effects profile. Clorazepate, for example, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is superior at treating anxiety disorders compared to quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However, they can be minimized if you taper off the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety-related disorders.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are an class of drugs that treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the adrenaline binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who have to give an address in public or take planes. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't treat the root of the condition. As a result, they are usually prescribed as a part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle changes. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it ineffective or had intolerable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you based on your medical history and 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 physician.

MAOIs


Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they aren't utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. 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 role in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and are accompanied by warnings about suicide.

In severe anxiety disorder to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications that could aid in managing your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction that can result in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are you are taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.