Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to work.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. It is still essential to follow your prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, however they are more at risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat dairy, some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. Additionally it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which suppresses the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders, and other psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs like alcohol.
Medications are often the first thing that people turn to when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of 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 feel less anxious.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are among the most popular benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks however, they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
https://anotepad.com/notes/hkaqk344 can be very addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you are anxious your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and the heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show an improvement in symptoms. They are a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, people who are required to deliver an address in public or travel in an airplane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
Although beta-blockers are effective at reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying cause of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. Taking these medications can have adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is often prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.