Are Anxiety Disorder Medication As Important As Everyone Says?
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to reduce the risk of side effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs, the first treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase 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. They can aid in increasing norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They are able to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can have side effects, like stomach and nausea however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. panic anxiety disorder increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may look into a different kind of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat dairy, some fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. In addition it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically resort to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel anxious as often.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is superior at treating anxiety disorders than the quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and your breathing during this period to ensure that you don't have a severe reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you're stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding action. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.
Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For example, those who have to give an address in public or travel in an airplane. They are also an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety and an ongoing heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't treat the root of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you according to your medical history and overall health. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant drug. Generally, MAOIs are only employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain tyramine, a substance in a variety of cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.