Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to write the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the most popular choice of medications for treating What Anxiety Disorder can take several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of 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 and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.

Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is nevertheless important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also effective, but have a higher risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these drugs it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other mental 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 anxiety and depressive disorder with alcohol and other substances.

When people have anxiety disorders, they typically look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel stressed as much.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effect profile. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as compared to quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks, but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should only be used for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for off-label use in the case of anxiety.

When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are an class of drugs that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are an excellent choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety disorders effects-related symptoms. For instance, people who must give an address in public or travel in an airplane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and an ongoing heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical history and current health status. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for best drug for social anxiety disorder interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.

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

It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result 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 fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.