Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medication and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.

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

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder symptoms anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication for anxiety disorder and depression, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, but they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. In addition it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some 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 which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol or anxiety Disorder Medication other substances.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically resort to medication as their first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your behavior and thoughts to make you less stressed as much.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of side effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate, for example is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better at treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for several weeks, but they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be used only for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about 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 a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. They stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed off-label in cases of anxiety.

If you are stressed your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who need to deliver speeches in public or take an airplane. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you depending on your medical history and health condition. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as widely used as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs can reduce social anxiety disorder. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only 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 consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of red meats, cheeses, fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.