Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs, the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to work.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat https://doyle-fenger-2.blogbright.net/what-is-severe-anxiety-disorder-symptoms-and-how-to-utilize-it . These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, but these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. It is still crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs are not working for you, your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can be effective, but they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. It is best to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs, including alcohol.

When people have anxiety disorders, they usually resort to medication as their first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as much.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term since they can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be reduced by reducing the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should 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 your breathing during this time so you don't suffer an extreme reaction. If you're thinking of getting a benzodiazepine prescription, consult your physician about your past history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

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

When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who have to give an address in public or take planes. They also make a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't treat the root of the disorder. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle changes. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best one for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants are not working, since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can 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 the foods to avoid. They will instruct you to avoid eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. They might also provide you with a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.