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Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to make the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders . Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety is not well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, and in turn decreases 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 which are often linked to anxiety disorders . They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs may also be effective, however they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, some fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in 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 anxiety disorders, insomnia and various mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs such as alcohol.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically turn to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are many different psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior so that you feel less anxious.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects characteristic. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they are not recommended for long-term use since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you do not have an extremely severe reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering using a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that is used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who need to deliver an address in public or take an airplane. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. As a result, they are usually used as part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety and have not found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will determine the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas 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 are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings about suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not work, as they may cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.