Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to write the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the most popular option of medication to treat phobic Anxiety disorder, can take up to several weeks to work.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

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

The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety is not well known. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety and eating disorders disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.

Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is nevertheless important to follow the doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs don't work for you, then your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.

The use of medication is often the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct list of side effects although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines can be very effective, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for a long time however, they can be minimized by gradually reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This stops the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.

When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and the heart, which 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 are able to block adrenaline's binding actions. This helps to lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who have to give an address in public or travel on a plane. They are also ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. As a result, they are usually only used as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and do not find them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.

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

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, work for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of 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 inhibit the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found 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 carry warnings about suicide.

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

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

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

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you should avoid. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are you are taking the medication. He or she may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.