Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and 5097533 digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't fully comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

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

Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat dairy, some fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can make it more difficult to deal with certain side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful if taken recreationally or in combination with other substances like alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they often turn to medication as their first choice. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been shown as a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior 5097533 in order to feel less anxious.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of side effects, however, they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However, they can be minimized if you taper off the medication slowly.

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

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding action. This helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show an improvement in symptoms. They are a good choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For example, those who are required to deliver an address to the public or travel in an airplane. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine the best one for you depending on your medical history and your health. The use of these medicines can cause adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing tyramine, a substance that is found in many red meats, cheeses, fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause 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.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. The doctor may also give you an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.