Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: 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 drugs 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 have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. 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 and may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may 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 isn't fully understood. generalized anxiety disorder is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the 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 used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you stop taking your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but carry more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat dairy, some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. In addition it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a chemical which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs, including alcohol.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less stressed as much.
The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effects and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. panic anxiety disorder can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks but they can be minimized by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be used only for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed off-label in cases of anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the binding action of adrenaline, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who must give speeches in public or fly on planes. They are also a good option for people with anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable 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 overall health. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest relaxation techniques or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.