Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medication and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to take effect.

SSRIs

The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder . 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 can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects typically subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the SSRIs’ effect on anxiety isn’t well comprehended. However it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, which in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these medicines it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances, including alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people turn to when they’re suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they’re not the only treatment option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your behavior and thoughts so that you don’t feel stressed as much.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effect and pharmacological profile. Clorazepate, for instance is more effective at treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to Quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can 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 reduced if you taper off the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time to ensure that you do not have an extreme reaction. If you’re thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, consult your physician about your history of using substances.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, but they can also be prescribed for off-label use for anxiety-related disorders.

When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline’s binding. This helps to lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are an excellent option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, those who have to give a public speech or fly in a plane. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don’t address the underlying causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you according to your medical background and current health status. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally 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 action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings about suicide.

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

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only in cases where other antidepressants are not working, because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.

disorders anxiety will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. Using disorders anxiety will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.