Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related 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, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders consequences disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. 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 also aid in the increase of norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms of anxiety disorders.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but have more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs dairy, some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a good idea to avoid these foods. It what is anxiety panic disorder also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, and other mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when used for recreational purposes or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they often look to medication as the first choice. However it's not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been shown as a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior in order to are less stressed.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and the lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same physical properties, but each has its own unique side effect and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they are not recommended for long-term use since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for several weeks, but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety disorder treatment without medication-related symptoms. They stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety Disorder medication side effects for instance, those who have to give speeches in public or take planes. They also make a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart conditions like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. As a result, they are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical history and health condition. These medications can trigger 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) which were first developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications that could aid in managing your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your anxiety symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only in cases where other antidepressants are not working, as they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and a few dietary supplements. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.