Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can have adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive issues However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't fully known. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental disorders that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs are also effective, but have greater risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. In addition, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe anxiety disorder adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, illness anxiety disorder disorders and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances.

When people have anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most popular benzodiazepines. They all have similar physical properties, but each has its own unique side effects and pharmacological profile. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when compared to Quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term since they can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for a long time, but they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a short duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this period, you'll need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety-related disorders.

If you are stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who need to deliver an address in public or travel on an airplane. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the condition. This is why they are usually prescribed as part of an overall treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you based on your medical history and your health. These medications can cause adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

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 sleep, mood and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings about suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other home natural remedies for anxiety disorder to ease your anxiety symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause 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 when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. The symptoms of this serious reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other drugs and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.