Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to reduce the risk of side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first treatment for anxiety can take several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication of choice for most anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully known. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders examples (why not try these out) disorders. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, [Redirect Only] which can increase their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, however they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used recreationally, or when mixed anxiety depressive disorder with alcohol and other substances.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first choice. However this isn't the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been shown as an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and the lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as in comparison to the quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks, but they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician when you're considering taking the use of a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are a great option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, people who must give an address in public or travel in an airplane. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from separation anxiety disorder in adults and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes of anxiety disorder. They are therefore only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and do not find them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical background and current health status. These common medications for anxiety disorders may cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for a variety of anxiety ocd and anxiety disorder depression disorders. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be 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 and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs are employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. He or she will also provide the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.