Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder . This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can have side effects, like nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help with anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. It is nevertheless essential to follow your doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs don't work for you, then your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, but they have a greater chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they typically resort to medication as their first choice. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most popular benzodiazepines. They all have similar physical properties, but each has its own unique side effect profile. Clorazepate, for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders when than quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for a long time however, they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking using a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in the case of anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who must give speeches in public or travel on planes. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the disorder. They are only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you depending 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 oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as widely used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications that could aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants are not working, as they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it could trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause extreme side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.