Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to write the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder . These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is nevertheless essential to follow your prescription of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressant, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, but they have a greater chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these medicines, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.
The use of medication is often the first thing people turn to when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are many psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior in order to feel less anxious.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effects and pharmacological profile. Clorazepate, for example, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as compared to quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks but they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this period to ensure that you don't have an extreme reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, talk to your doctor about your past history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However, they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. They are a great option for those who need immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, those who must give a public speech or fly in an airplane. They also make a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the condition. As a result, they are usually only prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you depending on your medical background and current health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should be used only in cases where other antidepressants are not working, because they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction that can result in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. They will also provide the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.