Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder test anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

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

The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well known. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety disorder medication list-related symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressant, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also 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 red meat, eggs, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. In addition it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.

Medications are often the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your thinking and behavior to make you less anxious as often.

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

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a limited period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you don't have a severe reaction. If you're thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological 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 to beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which take weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. They are an excellent option for those who need immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, people who have to give an address in public or travel in a plane. They are also an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. This is why they are usually only used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.

There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best one for you according to your medical history and your health. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as frequently employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation method, or other home treatments to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause severe adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.