Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medications and are able to make the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the most popular choice of medications for Anxiety Disorder Medication treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive issues However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well comprehended. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders examples disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can improve their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs don't work for you, your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very efficient, but they carry a higher risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

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

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a chemical that inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.

When people have anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (cbt for anxiety disorders). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to reduce anxiety disorder to change your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel anxious as often.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effect and pharmacological profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent 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 also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical known as 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, the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who have to give an address in public or travel on planes. They are also ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the disorder. This is why they are usually prescribed as a part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. 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) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side 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. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your anxiety symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants have failed, because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing tyramine, a substance in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, and certain dietary supplements, it could trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.