A The Complete Guide To Anxiety Disorder Medication From Start To Finish

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well comprehended. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This enhances the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorder s. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.


If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might look into a different kind of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, but they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, 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 you're taking these medications. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or in combination with other substances like alcohol.

When people have anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety-related symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as much.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most popular benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects but they all have similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for instance is more effective at treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as than the quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for several weeks however, they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However, they can be prescribed off-label for 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 is a beta receptor that is found in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. They are a good choice for people who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, people who are required to deliver a public speech or fly in an airplane. They are also an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root cause of the disorder. Therefore, they are typically prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or have intolerable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best beta-blocker for you, based on your medical background and current health condition. These medications can trigger negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as widely employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken in cases where other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They will also provide the list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.

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Pub: 10 May 2024 02:06 UTC
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