Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

The majority of 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. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating 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 can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.

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

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, however they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety and panic disorder, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorder treatment without medication disorders, they often turn to medication as their first choice. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for generalized anxiety disorder). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thoughts and behaviors to make you less anxious as much.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the contrary, is more effective at treating anxiety disorders compared to quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and your breathing during this period to ensure that you do not have a severe reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for off-label use in the case of anxiety.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart which causes of generalized anxiety disorder your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety disorders diagnosis symptoms for instance, those who must give an address in public or fly on a plane. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective at alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the condition. This is why they are typically used as part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication but found it to be ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical background and current health status. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

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

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. 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 other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered the original antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed, since they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods you should avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.