The Good And Bad About Anxiety Disorder Medication Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to make the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

medication for anxiety disorder and depression boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

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

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.

The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel stressed as much.

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

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for a long time, but they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.


Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are a great option for those who need immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, those who must give an address to the public or travel in a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.

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

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. They aren't as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. 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 frequently prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants have failed since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and a few dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause severe adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. He or she may also give you an inventory of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.