Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first choice for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also efficient, but they carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. It is best therapy for anxiety disorder to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs since it may increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.

Medications are often the first thing that people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one 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 commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar physical properties, but each has its own distinct 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 social anxiety disorder treatment disorders as than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks however, they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used 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 to ensure you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who need to deliver a speech in public or travel on a plane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety disorder social phobia and a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. As a result, they are usually prescribed as a part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle changes. They are useful for people who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it to be ineffective, or had intolerable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical background and current health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to cause adverse 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 to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants have failed, as they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other drugs and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.