What's Everyone Talking About Anxiety Disorder Medication Right Now
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medications and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems however, they tend to improve as the body gets used 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 amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, however they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs such as alcohol.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel stressed as much.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects and pharmacological profile. Clorazepate, for example is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when than Quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for a long time but they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering a drug called benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding action. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. They are a good option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who have to give an address to the public or travel in an airplane. They also make a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or had unpalatable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best one for you according to your medical history and health status. 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
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of depression and anxiety disorder s. They aren't as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could aid in managing your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and a few dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.