Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medication and are able to write the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first treatment for anxiety can take several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication of choice for most anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy seasonal anxiety disorder disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may look into a different kind of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can also be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. In addition it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.

The use of medication is often the first thing people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own list of side effects although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks however, they can be minimized by gradually reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so that you don't have a severe reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your history of using substances.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that helps to treat anxiety disorders symptoms-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they are also available off-label to treat anxiety.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce the 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 improvement in symptoms. They are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who must give an address in public or travel in a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue 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 a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy but found it to be ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you, based on your medical history and current health condition. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken 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 and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method, or other home treatments to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of red meats, cheeses, fish, shellfish, and some 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 cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.