Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medication and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder causes 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. They may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can have adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive problems However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating what anxiety disorder feels like is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental illnesses that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may look into a different kind of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. In addition it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances 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 can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

When people have anxiety disorders, they usually resort to medication as their first choice. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel anxious as often.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of side effects, however, they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short duration. In general, not more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this period to ensure you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. If you're thinking of getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your past history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they are also available off-label to treat anxiety.

If you are stressed your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. They are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For example, those who have to give an address to the public or travel in a plane. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you depending on your medical background and current health condition. These medications can cause adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, work for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of best drug for generalized anxiety disorder interactions. Some MAOIs are taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every 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 sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and are accompanied by 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. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

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

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will talk with you about the foods to avoid. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.