Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize side effects.

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

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. It is still crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

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 have a higher risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs can be 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 are dangerous when taken recreationally, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.

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

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effects and pharmacological profile. Clorazepate, for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating illness anxiety disorder disorders as than Quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time to ensure that you don't have a severe reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your history of using substances.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for what anxiety Disorder-related disorders.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who need to deliver an address in public or take a plane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who have both anxiety and an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of mixed anxiety depressive disorder but they do not address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other medications for phobic anxiety disorder and have not found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you depending on your medical history and health status. The use of these medicines can cause side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be 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 and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with social anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants have failed as they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, as well as some dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result 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 result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.