What's Everyone Talking About Anxiety Disorder Medication Right Now
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause side effects, like nausea and digestive issues, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications may also be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. In addition it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.
When people have anxiety disorders, they often turn to medication as their first choice. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior to are less stressed.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as 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 at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as compared to the quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart shaking, 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 minimized if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a short duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing 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 conditions. However they are also available off-label to treat anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They block adrenaline's binding action. This can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are a good choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, those who are required to deliver a public speech or fly in a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to address the underlying cause of the condition. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment 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. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings in boxes for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to help manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to reduce physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation method, or other home treatments to ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat 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 supplements. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause extreme adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. The doctor may also give you the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.