Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to reduce the risk of side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to take effect.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs help with anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health disorders which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs may be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and some fruits and veggies. It is best to avoid these foods if taking these medications. In addition, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances.

The use of medication is often the first thing people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most popular benzodiazepines. Each has a unique set of side effects, although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be reduced by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

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 is a beta receptor that is found in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding action. This can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who have to give speeches in public or travel on a plane. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are available 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 and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood, and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments that can help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only when other antidepressants have failed, because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause extreme side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need how to deal with anxiety disorder without medication avoid. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she may also give you a list of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.