Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can aid in increasing norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well known. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also efficient, but they carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) that inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first option. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks however, they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a limited period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time to ensure that you don't have an extreme reaction. If you're thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with 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 medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they are also available off-label for anxiety disorder behaviors.

When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline's binding actions. This assists in lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are an excellent option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, people who have to give an address to the public or travel in an airplane. They are also a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the underlying cause of the disorder. This is why they are usually prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can cause side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety disorder behaviors and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's 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 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.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants have failed, since they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the best drug for social anxiety disorder remedies disorder (Going On this site). They may also give you an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.