Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first choice for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). 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 increase serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They are able to be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause side effects, like nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If anxiety disorder separation are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may consider a different type of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications may also be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat, and some fruits and veggies. It is advised to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances like alcohol.
Medications are often the first thing that people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effect characteristic. Clorazepate, for example, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders as in comparison to Quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines may be effective, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be slowed down when you reduce the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short time - usually no more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you do not have a severe reaction. Consult your physician when you're considering taking a drug called benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the heart and brain, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding action. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who need to deliver an address in public or take planes. They are also a good option for people with anxiety and chronic heart issues like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not address the root causes. As a result, they are usually prescribed as a part of an overall treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of drug interactions. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available 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 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 cause adverse effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a wide variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. The symptoms of this serious reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.