Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. 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. They may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause side effects, like nausea and digestive problems, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the SSRIs’ effect on anxiety isn’t fully known. It is believed that SSRIs hinder the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren’t addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. It is still essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, however they have a greater chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products and red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. In addition it is generally advised that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may cause more severe side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol and other substances.

Medications are often the first thing that people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder however they’re not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your thoughts and behaviors to make you less anxious as much.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as the lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct list of side effects although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective at treating anxiety disorders compared to the quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down when you reduce the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you don’t have a severe reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These drugs block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations and tremors. generalized anxiety disorder are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system, but they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in the case of anxiety.

When you’re stressed, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the adrenaline binding which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who must give an address in public or take a plane. They also make a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you according to your medical history and overall health. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. However, they aren’t utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and carry warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the medication. The doctor may also give you a list of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.