Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to be effective.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause side effects, like nausea and digestive problems However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.

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

If SSRIs don't work for you, then your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, however they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medications it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (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 short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people seek out when they have an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effect profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be reduced when you reduce the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, talk to your doctor about your history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that helps to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed for off-label use for anxiety-related disorders.

If you are stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart, causing 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, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which reduces the 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. They are a great option for those who need immediate relief from the symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. For instance, people who must give an address in public or travel in a plane. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or had unpalatable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which one is best drug for generalized anxiety disorder for you according to your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created 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 the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's 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 an important role in sleep, mood and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to help you manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only when other antidepressants have failed, because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

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

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.