Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists 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 psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). 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 well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, but these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but have a higher risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used recreationally, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of side effects, although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be reduced by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and your breathing during this period to ensure you don't suffer an extreme reaction. If you're thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label for 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 beta receptors found in the heart and 5097533 (see here) brain, causing your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, the name of a class of medication that is used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who must give speeches in public or fly on a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical background and current 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 Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as widely utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions required and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO which increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments 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 medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.

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

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.