Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the right medication to reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. However, it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between 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 conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, however they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances like alcohol.
When people have anxiety disorders, they often look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior so that you feel less anxious.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct list of side effects but they all have similar pharmacological properties. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for weeks, but they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this time to ensure you don't suffer a severe reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications 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 medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label to treat anxiety.
When you are anxious, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the heart and brain 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 ailments. anxiety disorder help work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who have to give an address in public or take a plane. They are also a good option for people with anxiety and chronic heart issues like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or had unpalatable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you according to your medical background and current health status. These medications may cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat depression and anxiety disorders. However, they aren't utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants are not working, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking 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. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods you should avoid. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.