Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to work.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, but these side effects typically subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur 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. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications may be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. Additionally it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can cause more severe side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorders, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for social anxiety disorder; siegel-valentine-2.thoughtlanes.net,) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel anxious as much.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are 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, although they all share similar pharmacological properties. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. They are an excellent option for those who need immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, people who must give a public speech or fly in a plane. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. Therefore, they are usually used as part of a larger treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety disorders in adults. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation method or other at-home treatments to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only when other antidepressants have failed because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It can cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. This serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.