It's Time To Increase Your Anxiety Disorder Medication Options
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the most popular choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects 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) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have negative effects, such as nausea and digestive issues However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully understood. However, it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs don't work for you, then your doctor might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and various mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances.
The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to change your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel stressed as much.
The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for several weeks but they can be minimized by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor 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 abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
If you are stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who must give a speech in public or fly on a plane. They are also a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential 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. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.
The original 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 medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and a few dietary supplements. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. 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. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the medication. He or she will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.