Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to reduce the risk of side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, but they can take up to a week best med for generalized anxiety disorder them to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems However, these tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. However, it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you discontinue your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs don't work for you, your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorder social phobia, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances.

When people have anxiety disorders, they often look to medication as the first option. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many 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 alter your thoughts and behaviors to make you less stressed as much.

Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share similar physical properties, but each has its own unique side effect characteristic. Clorazepate, for example, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to the quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking using a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

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

When you are anxious your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the adrenaline binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who have to give a speech in public or take planes. They are also an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the disorder. As a result, they are usually only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle changes. 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 have intolerable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you depending on your medical history and health condition. These medications may cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood, and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other home remedies to ease your anxiety 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 to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

It can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. This severe reaction can cause an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods to avoid. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.