What's The Fuss About Anxiety Disorder Medication?

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, medication 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 of choice for the majority of  anxiety disorders . The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can improve their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is still crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but carry a higher risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. In addition it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs such as alcohol.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they typically resort to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel anxious as often.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share similar physical properties, but each has its own distinct side effect profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is 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, like a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for a long time, but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be taken only for a limited period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this time to ensure you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that is used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in your nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, but they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who have to give speeches in public or travel on an airplane. They are also a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety and have not found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which one is best for you based on your medical history and overall health. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings about suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and trigger extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you need to avoid. He or she will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. The doctor might also provide you with the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.