Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, including psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs don't work for you, then your physician may try a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, however they are more at risk of adverse side effects 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 recommended to stay clear of these foods if you're taking these medications. In addition it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

When people have anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior to are less stressed.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effects profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for several weeks, but they can be minimized by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder your breathing during this time to ensure that you don't have an extremely severe reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking using a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in cases of anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who need to deliver an address in public or fly on 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.

While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. However, they're not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. 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 may prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.

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

It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure when you take 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 serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. The doctor might also provide you with a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.