Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and anxiety disorder and other mental conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety disorder yoga symptoms to return.

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs, as this can cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorder zoloft, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.

When people have anxiety disorders, they typically look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use since they can lead to 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 the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks but they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this period to ensure that you do not have an extreme reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in the case of anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces 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 are fast-acting. They are an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, those who have to give a public speech or fly in a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying cause of the condition. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as part of a larger treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical history and health condition. Taking these medications can have side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and carry warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed as they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause extreme 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. He or she will tell you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.