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Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications can increase serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause side effects, like nausea and digestive issues However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help with anxiety isn't fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.
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 effective, but carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs, including 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. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder . There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effect profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but 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 pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for a long time but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering using a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline's binding. This helps to lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who must give a speech in public or travel on planes. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and an ongoing heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. This is why they are usually only prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you according to your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions that are required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found 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 trigger side effects and carry warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in a variety of cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this serious reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and trigger serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.
Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.