Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects.
The typical treatment for https://pehrson-gallagher.mdwrite.net/whos-the-top-expert-in-the-world-on-generalized-anxiety-disorder-3f is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide 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 along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help with anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs are not working for you, your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people look for when they have an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are many psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to modify your thoughts and behaviors to make you less stressed as much.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and the lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for a long time however, they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this period to ensure that you do not have an extremely severe reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, consult your physician about your past history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you are anxious 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 to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the adrenaline binding which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who must give speeches in public or fly on planes. They are also an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart condition like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't treat the root of the disorder. Therefore, they are usually only used as part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you according to your medical history and your health. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood, and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry boxed warnings for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was later discovered to have properties that boost mood and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.