Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Could Be More Dangerous Than You Believed
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize side effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed 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.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. It is still crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs are also efficient, but they carry more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat dairy, some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first choice. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are depressive anxiety disorder of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to modify your thinking and behavior to make you less anxious as much.
The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of side effects, but they all have similar pharmacological properties. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks, but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this time to ensure you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label to treat 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 beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. They are an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For example, those who have to give an address in public or travel in a plane. They also make a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to address the underlying cause of the disorder. They are only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you according to your medical history and your health. These medications can trigger side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or 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 containing tyramine while taking the drug. They may also give you an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.