Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety disorder diagnosis symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of drugs and are able to write the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and could also help increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might look into a different kind of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but have more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise idea to avoid these foods. In addition it is generally advised that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can increase the severity of some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorders symptoms disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been shown to help reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thoughts and behaviors to make you less stressed as much.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, consult your physician about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that helps to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are an class of drugs that are used to 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, which require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. They are an excellent option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, people who are required to deliver an address to the public or travel in a plane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. As a result, they are usually only used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical history and health condition. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety disorders meaning and depression. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood, and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and are accompanied by warnings about suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can help manage your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only in cases where other antidepressants are not working, because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. The doctor might also provide you with the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.