An All-Inclusive List Of Anxiety Disorder Medication Dos And Don'ts
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medication and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, but these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication.
The exact mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't well understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.
SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. It is nevertheless essential to follow your doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs don't work for you, then your physician might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also very efficient, but they carry greater risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used recreationally, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.
Medications are often the first thing people look for when they have an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel stressed as much.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effect profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for several weeks however, they can be minimized by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of period of time. Usually, disorders anxiety than four weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, talk to your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are an excellent option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who are required to deliver an address in public or travel in a plane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you based on your medical history and health status. These medications may cause negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved 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.
In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to aid in managing your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.