7 Things You Didn't Know About Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to be effective.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can aid in increasing norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as stomach and nausea however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders . They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. It is still important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs are also efficient, but they carry greater risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorder s, they often look to medication as the first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.
The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effect profile. Clorazepate, for instance is more effective at treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when compared to Quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short 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. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a drug called benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing 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 be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. They are a good choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, people who are required to deliver an address to the public or travel in a plane. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying cause of the disorder. As a result, they are usually used as part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will determine which one is best for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to ease physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found that is found in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and trigger serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. They may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.