Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of drugs and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have side effects, like nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used 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 amount of signals that cross the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don’t appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs aren’t for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the nerves’ activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, extreme anxiety disorder and various mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
Medications are often the first thing that people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they’re not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety disorders diagnosis-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thinking and behavior so that you don’t feel anxious as often.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for instance what is severe anxiety disorder more effective at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders when than Quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are efficient, they aren’t recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down by reducing the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time to ensure that you don’t have a severe reaction. If you’re thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your past history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label to treat anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline’s binding action. This helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. They are an excellent option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, people who have to give an address to the public or travel in a plane. They are also an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. As a result, they are usually only prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical history and current health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they aren’t utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could help you manage your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed, because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and certain dietary supplements, it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results 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 can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when 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 prevent MAOI-related side effects.