Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, best medication for social anxiety disorder - check over here - and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder symptoms hyper anxiety disorder disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but carry greater risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol and other substances.

If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they often turn to medication as their first option. However it's not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as often.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own list of side effects although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders as in comparison to the quazepam.

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

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a short period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this time to ensure you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety like those who must give an address in public or fly on planes. Additionally, they are ideal for those who have both anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you depending on your medical anxiety disorder history and health status. These medications can trigger side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol is frequently prescribed to ease physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. Generally, MAOIs are only employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this 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.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. He or she may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.