Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn’t fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren’t addictive unlike some other antidepressants. It is nevertheless essential to follow your prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may try a different class of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also effective, but have more risk of having adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you’re taking these medications. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the nerves’ activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.

The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they have an anxiety disorder However, they’re not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior in order to are less stressed.

Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each has a unique set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is superior at treating anxiety disorders in comparison to the quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used for long periods of time since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly like sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However, they can be minimized if you taper off the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a limited period of period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this period to ensure that you don’t have an extreme reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering the use of a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however, they can also be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.

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

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who must give speeches in public or take a plane. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the condition. Therefore, they are usually only prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you based on your medical history and your health. Taking these medications can have side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They aren’t as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come 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. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to help you manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques, or other home treatments to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause 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, fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. panic anxiety disorder may also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.