What Is Anxiety Disorder Medication And Why Are We Talking About It
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can decrease anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can also be effective, however they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. In addition it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can cause more severe side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named 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 brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they typically turn to medication as their first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effect profile. Clorazepate, for instance, is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when than quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks however, they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so you don't suffer an extreme reaction. If you're considering getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, consult your physician about your past history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that can help to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.
When you're stressed your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which take weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. They are a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, people who are required to deliver an address to the public or travel in an airplane. They are also a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety as well as 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 underlying causes. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried medications 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 decide which one is right for you according to your medical history and overall health. The use of these medicines can cause side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as widely employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings on suicide in a box.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest an exercise routine or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.