Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medication and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs, the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are 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 boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can anxiety disorders go away aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren’t addictive unlike other antidepressants. It is still important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs are not working for you, then your physician might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have a higher risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first choice. However it’s not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your thinking and behavior so that you don’t feel stressed as much.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct list of side effects however, they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorder treatments at home (go source) disorders as compared to quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren’t recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for several weeks but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you don’t have an extreme reaction. If you’re thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.

If you are stressed your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline’s binding action. This helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a good option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. meds for generalized anxiety disorder example, those who are required to deliver a public speech or fly in a plane. In addition, they are ideal for those who have both anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder, but they don’t address the root causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will determine which one is best for you based on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs come 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, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of where do anxiety disorders come from. Your doctor may suggest relaxation techniques, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used after other antidepressants are not working, because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that can result in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating 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. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the medication. He or she will also provide the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.