Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs for generalized anxiety disorder and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These 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 could also help increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can have side effects, like stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how to reduce anxiety disorder SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. It is still crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but carry a higher risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. It is also generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various mental disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances like alcohol.

Medications are often the first thing that people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior so that you are less stressed.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most popular benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of side effects, but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks but they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that can help to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs what are anxiety disorders/depression usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however, they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety-related disorders.

When you're stressed, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who have to give a speech in public or fly on a plane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the disorder. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you depending on your medical history and your health. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, while 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 play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation method, or other home treatments to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants are not working, as they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It can anxiety disorder cause high blood pressure cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause extreme side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.