Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to write the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase 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 can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't suitable for your needs, your doctor may look into a different kind of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but carry greater risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. It is best to avoid these foods if taking these medications. It is also generally recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effect and pharmacological profile. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective at treating anxiety disorders than Quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be used only for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used 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 tremors and heart palpitations. disorders anxiety are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds with 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 treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who have to give speeches in public or travel on an airplane. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. This is why they are usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you based on your medical history and overall health. 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 for some anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation technique or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in a variety of cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods to avoid. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.