Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that will minimize side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of 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 boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully understood. 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 signals that cross the synapse and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can 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 exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can also be effective, however they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products and red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances, including alcohol.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorder help disorders, they typically look to medication as the first choice. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own list of side effects however, they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for weeks however, they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be used only for a short period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer a severe reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within the 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 conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower the blood pressure and heart rate.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who need to deliver speeches in public or fly on planes. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you based on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action 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 anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is considered 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 use an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it can trigger a dangerous 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 result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods you should avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.