5 Anxiety Disorder Medication Lessons From The Professionals
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the most popular option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
IamPsychiatry can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well known. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs are also effective, but have more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as the lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks however, they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a limited period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician when you're considering taking a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These drugs block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who need to deliver speeches in public or travel on a plane. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root cause of the disorder. This is why they are usually only prescribed as a part of a larger treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. They are beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or had unpalatable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you depending on your medical history and current health condition. These medications may cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your anxiety symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was later discovered to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only in cases where other antidepressants are not working, because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and a few dietary supplements. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating any foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. They may also give you a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.