Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications is a fantastic way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to write the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs, the first choice of medications for treating anxiety can take several weeks to work.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the best medication for anxiety disorder.

The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and in turn decreases separation anxiety disorder treatments symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can improve their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don’t appear to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor’s prescriptions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs aren’t for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products, red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise idea to avoid these foods. In addition, it is generally recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can make it more difficult to deal with certain side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous if taken recreationally or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.

The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they have an anxiety disorder however they’re not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for anxiety disorders). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior so that you don’t feel anxious as often.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of side effects, although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be reduced by reducing the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a limited period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this period to ensure that you do not have an extreme reaction. If you’re considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your past history of using substances.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you’re stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety like those who need to deliver an address in public or travel on a plane. They can also be a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart problems like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety but they don’t address the root causes. This is why they are usually prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical background and current health status. These medications can trigger side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They aren’t as widely utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs block the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood, and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications to aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.

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

It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the medication. They will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.