Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication 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). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders . They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your 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, your doctor might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also efficient, but they carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.

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

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.

The use of medication is often the first thing people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder, but 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 and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to are less stressed.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of side effects, but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term since they can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks but they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this period to ensure you don’t suffer an extremely severe reaction. Consult your physician when you’re considering taking the use of a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.

When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases they work by preventing the adrenaline binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who have to give a speech in public or travel on an airplane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don’t treat the root of the disorder. As a result, they are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or had intolerable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren’t as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that’s applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood, and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and are accompanied by warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only in cases where other antidepressants have failed as they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

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

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. The doctor will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.