Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorder s is usually three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism through which SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. However, it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs may also be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. In addition it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders, and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.
Medications are often the first thing that people look for when they have an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to alter 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 quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as compared to Quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for a long time, but they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and your breathing during this period to ensure you don't suffer a severe reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in your nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed off-label in cases of anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require a long time to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who must give a speech in public or fly on a plane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't treat the root of the condition. Therefore, they are usually only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. They are useful for people who have tried anti-anxiety medication but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical background and current health condition. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression. They aren't as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings on suicide in a box.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance that is 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 serious reaction can result in an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and trigger extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.