Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the most popular treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and increase the frequency 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 with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren’t addictive unlike some other antidepressants. It is still crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you discontinue your medication suddenly, this can cause „discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs aren’t suitable for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. 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, eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you’re taking these medications. In addition, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it can cause more severe adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

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

generalized anxiety disorder is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they’re not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of side effects, although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines, and 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. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks, but they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this period, you’ll need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don’t suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you’re thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in cases of anxiety.

When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and the heart, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline’s binding actions. This can help lower the blood pressure and heart rate.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who have to give an address in public or take a plane. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don’t address the root causes. This is why they are usually only prescribed as a part of an overall treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you according to your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings in boxes for suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed, since they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction that can result 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 a throbbing head pain 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.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.