Anxiety Disorder Medication Tips That Will Change Your Life
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of drugs and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that will minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, including therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication of choice for most anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside as the body gets used to the medication.
The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't well understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues that 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. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances.
Medications are often the first thing people look for when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar physical properties, but each has its own distinct side effects profile. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders as in comparison to the quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks but they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, consult your physician about your past history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in the case of anxiety.
When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who need to deliver a speech in public or take an airplane. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. Therefore, they are usually used as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle changes. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you according to your medical background and current health status. These medications can cause negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed as well as the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. panic anxiety disorder play a role in sleep, mood and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and a few dietary supplements. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.