Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest 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 have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration 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 decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can be effective, but they have a greater chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products, red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may make it more difficult to deal with certain side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can 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 and other substances.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people seek out when they have an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior to are less stressed.

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

Although benzodiazepines may be effective, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.

When you're stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are an class of drugs that treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who have to give speeches in public or travel on an airplane. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the condition. Therefore, they are typically used as part of a larger treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.

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

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as widely utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to ease your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. The doctor will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.