Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs, the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well known. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.
types of anxiety disorders can decrease anxiety and the 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 are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications may also be effective, however they are more at risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a good idea to avoid these foods. It is also generally recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.
When people have anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior to make you less anxious as much.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effect characteristic. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for a long time however, they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a brief period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking using a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that can help to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However, they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding actions. This helps to lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who must give speeches in public or fly on an airplane. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. This is why they are usually only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine the best beta-blocker for you, based on your medical history and current health condition. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants are not working, since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other medications and trigger severe side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. They might also provide you with a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.