Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Is Everywhere This Year
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. generalized anxiety disorder are trained extensively in the use of medication and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication of choice for most anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you stop taking your medication abruptly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs do not work for you, then your physician may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have a higher risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a good idea to avoid these foods. It is also generally advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and other psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.
The use of medication is often the first thing people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effect and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking using a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that helps to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, but they can also be prescribed for off-label use in the case of anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. They are a good choice for those who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For example, those who must give an address in public or travel in a plane. They are also a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and an ongoing heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. This is why they are usually used as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical background and current health condition. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat depression and anxiety disorder s. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite as well as sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to treat your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your anxiety symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. This severe reaction could cause an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. They might also provide you with the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.