Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase 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 drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause side effects, like nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn’t fully known. However it is believed they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross 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 disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs are not working for you, then your physician may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, however they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these medicines it is a wise idea to avoid these foods. It is also generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can increase some 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 suppresses nerve activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used recreationally, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they typically look to medication as the first choice. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been 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 behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effect profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use since they can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You should be monitoring 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 a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that helps to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however they can be prescribed for off-label use in the case of anxiety.

When you are anxious your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the adrenaline binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who need to deliver an address in public or take an airplane. They are also an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don’t address the root causes. This is why they are usually used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they are an option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven’t found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical history and current health status. These medications can cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

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 mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants are not working, as they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.

disorders anxiety will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.