Anxiety Disorder Medication Tips That Will Change Your Life
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs hinder the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders . They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs are not working for you, then your physician may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. disorders anxiety are also effective, but have more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. Additionally it is generally advised that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can make it more difficult to deal with certain side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs, including alcohol.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to are less stressed.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most popular benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate, for example is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when than Quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for a long time however, they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this period to ensure you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering the use of a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
If you are stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding actions. This helps to lower the blood pressure and heart rate.
Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a great choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, people who have to give an address in public or travel in a plane. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you according to your medical background and current health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants are not working, as they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. Using this food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.