Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs, the first treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase 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 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 cause adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.
SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If https://zenwriting.net/catparcel43/what-is-the-future-of-social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms-be-like-in-100-years stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs don't work for you, then your physician might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs can be effective, but they have a greater chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat, and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these medicines it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause a number of side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs such as alcohol.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to change your thoughts and behaviors to make you less stressed as much.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects characteristic. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as in comparison to Quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this period to ensure that you do not have an extreme reaction. If you're thinking of getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This stops the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the adrenaline binding, which helps to 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 a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who need to deliver speeches in public or take an airplane. They can also be a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective at alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. Therefore, they are typically prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. They are useful for people who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it to be ineffective, or had intolerable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you based on your medical history and your health. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression. They aren't as widely employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered 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 action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and carry warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken after other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you the foods you need to avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. The doctor may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.