Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to reduce the risk of side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved 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 may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully comprehended. It is anxiety a disorder believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses and reduces 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 disorders which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is nevertheless important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't medicine for generalized anxiety disorder you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. 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, including eggs, red meat dairy, some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. Additionally it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances.

The use of medication is often the first thing that people seek out when they have an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effect characteristic. Clorazepate for instance is more effective at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking about getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, consult your physician about your past history of using substances.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. 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 What Are The 6 Types Of Anxiety Disorders anxious, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are an class of drugs that is used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require a long time to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who must give speeches in public or travel on planes. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety disorder social phobia as well as a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it ineffective or had intolerable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical history and health condition. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. 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 help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken after other antidepressants are not working, since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause an unintentional 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 adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. He or she may also give you a list of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.