Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders definition disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

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

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. It is nevertheless important to follow the doctor's instructions. If you discontinue your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for your needs, your doctor may try a different class of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs 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, eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise idea to avoid these foods. It is also generally advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for a long time however, they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this time to ensure that you don't have an extreme reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, consult your physician about your past history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you are anxious your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart-related conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who have to give a speech in public or take a plane. They are also a good option for people with anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you based on your medical history and overall health. Taking these medications can have adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. best med for generalized anxiety disorder 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 treatments to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants have failed, as they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It can cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating 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. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.