Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medication and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain, and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic anxiety disorder attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you discontinue your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs may be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medicines it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

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

When people have anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their first option. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for example is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better at treating anxiety disorders in comparison to the quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for a long time, but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This stops the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however, they can also be prescribed for off-label use for anxiety-related disorders.

When you are anxious your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding action. This assists in lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. They are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For example, those who must give a public speech or fly in a plane. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the disorder. As a result, they are usually used as part of a larger treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medications for anxiety disorders causes and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best cure for anxiety disorder one for you based on your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as widely employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.

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 sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other treatments at home to ease your anxiety symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants have failed because 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 take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplements. This severe reaction could cause an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will talk with you about the foods to avoid. They will instruct you to avoid eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.