Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat Acute anxiety disorder, however they can take several weeks for them to work.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism through which SSRIs help with 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 amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety disorder behaviors symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs aren’t for your needs, your doctor may try a different class of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs may also be effective, however they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. They can anxiety disorders go away be addictive, and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances like alcohol.
The use of medication is often the first thing that people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they’re not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been shown to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to deal with anxiety disorder without medication to change your thoughts and behaviors to make you less anxious as often.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when than Quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly like sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for several weeks, but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don’t have an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you’re thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, consult your physician about your history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs 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 medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
If you are stressed your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline’s binding action. This helps to lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who have to give a speech in public or travel on an airplane. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and an ongoing heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the condition. This is why they are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and do not find them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best drug for social anxiety disorder beta-blocker for you according to your medical background and current health condition. These medications can trigger side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.
MAOIs
The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of depression and anxiety disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry boxed warnings for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. Generally, MAOIs are only employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.