Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side 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 several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder test anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause side effects, like stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety is not well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease phobic anxiety disorder and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could increase their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. It is nevertheless important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressant, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, some vegetables and fruits. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful if taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs like alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically look to medication as the first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety-related symptoms. There are a variety of different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to are less stressed.

Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. They all share the same pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effects and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for a long time, but they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a limited period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this time so you don't suffer an extreme reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking using a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent 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 palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and the heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce 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 an improvement in symptoms. They are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, those who are required to deliver an address in public or travel in a plane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying cause of the condition. This is why they are usually used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety disorders psychology definition and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as widely used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available 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 and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications to help you manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many red meats, cheeses, fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods you should avoid. He or she will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.