10 Great Books On Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the most popular treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well known. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could increase their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is 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 aren't suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have greater risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.
Medications are often the first thing that people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects however, they all share similar pharmacological properties. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, disorders anxiety is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However they can be reduced when you reduce the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor if you are considering using a drug called benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that can help to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system, but they can also be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They are able to block adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a good choice for those who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, those who must give an address in public or travel in an airplane. They are also a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the condition. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as a 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 and do not find them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, work for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants have failed, because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating 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. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other drugs and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.