Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications is a fantastic 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.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can have negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and it also 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 as well as other mental illnesses that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is still important to follow the doctor’s instructions. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause „discontinuation syndrome” and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs don’t work for you, then your doctor may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs dairy, some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the nerves’ activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and various mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.

Medications are often the first thing people look for when they have an anxiety disorder however they’re not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effects and pharmacological profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However they can be reduced when you reduce the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. During this period, you’ll have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don’t have a severe withdrawal reaction. If you’re considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within the nervous system. This stops the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who must give an address in public or travel on a plane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don’t address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you according to your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they’re not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally 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 and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only when other antidepressants have failed, since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain tyramine, a substance in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. disorders anxiety can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating any foods containing tyramine while taking the drug. They might also provide you with an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.