What's The Fuss About Anxiety Disorder Medication? Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to work.


SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as stomach and nausea however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces 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 conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might look into a different kind of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs may also be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. In addition it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. panic anxiety disorder can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.

Medications are often the first thing people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as much.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share similar physical properties, but each has its own unique side effect and pharmacological profile. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when compared to quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your past history of using substances.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system, but they can also be prescribed for off-label use in the case of anxiety.

If you are stressed your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding action. This helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. They are a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For example, those who have to give a public speech or fly in an airplane. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

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

There are several different types of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken orally 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 interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques, or other home treatments to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken after other antidepressants have failed as they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many red meats, cheeses, fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other drugs and cause severe side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They may also give you a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.