Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of drugs and are able to make the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include 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 also help to increase norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside 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 inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and anxiety disorder and other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs are not working for you, your doctor may try another class of antidepressants like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but have more risk of having adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products and red meat, eggs and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can cause more severe side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they often turn to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effects profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down when you reduce the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be used only for a limited period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your past history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you are anxious, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety disorder specialist near me like those who have to give speeches in public or take a plane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who have both what does anxiety disorder look like and a chronic heart condition such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They are useful meds for generalized anxiety disorder people who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as frequently employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and 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 interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other 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 alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your anxiety disorder Quitting smoking symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used after other antidepressants have failed since they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing tyramine, a substance in many cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, depression and Anxiety disorder it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you the foods you need to avoid. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They will also provide an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.