This Is The Good And Bad About Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize side effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorder s is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety can take several weeks to work.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and 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 in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could enhance their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may consider a different type 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 and eggs, red meat as well as some 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 to stay clear of drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been shown to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel anxious as much.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate and quazepam are the most popular benzodiazepines. Each has a unique set of adverse effects, although they all share similar pharmacological properties. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a short duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this time so that you do not have a severe reaction. If you're considering getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, talk to your doctor about your history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety-related disorders.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They block adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who need to deliver a speech in public or travel on planes. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and health condition. These medications can cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings about suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered the original antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in a variety of red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and trigger extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.