How To Identify The Anxiety Disorder Medication That's Right For You Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medication and are able to make the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental disorders that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you stop taking your medication abruptly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, then your physician may try a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs can be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat dairy, some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may cause more severe adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

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

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically look to medication as the first choice. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of adverse effects, although they all share similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for example, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be reduced by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this period to ensure you don't suffer an extreme reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your history of using substances.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system, but they can also be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.

When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who must give a speech in public or travel on an airplane. They are also ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you, based on your medical history and current health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood, and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings about suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is often prescribed to ease physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest an exercise routine or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.


If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain tyramine, a substance in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, and certain dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and trigger serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.