Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. 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 well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).
These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't well understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs dairy, some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. In addition it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can cause more severe adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people look for when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior to are less stressed.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effects profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for several weeks however, they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this time so that you don't have an extremely severe reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the heart and brain, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.
Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a great choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, those who are required to deliver an address in public or travel in a plane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. As a result, they are usually only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle changes. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical background and current health condition. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.