How To Create Successful Anxiety Disorder Medication Tips From Home
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to reduce the risk of side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to work.
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. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder , such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which can improve their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs do not work for you, then your physician may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, but they are more at chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products such as red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can cause a number of 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 named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective 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 therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as the lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate, for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders when than the quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause 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, but they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you don't have a severe reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also 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 for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who must give an address in public or travel on an airplane. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the condition. This is why they are usually prescribed as a part of a larger treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.
Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical history and health condition. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.
MAOIs
The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry boxed warnings for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause extreme side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.