Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety can take several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety disorders in women and the severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you stop taking your medication abruptly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs don't work for you, your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also efficient, but they carry a higher risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medicines it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs like alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically resort to medication as their first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder cure naturally disorder symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share similar physical properties, but each has its own distinct side effects profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this time to ensure that you don't have a severe reaction. If you're considering getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, consult your physician about your past history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. They stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed for off-label use in the case of gerd anxiety disorder.

If you are stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who must give an address in public or travel on planes. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the condition. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and 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 beta-blocker is right for you depending on your medical history and current health condition. These medications may cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety disorder can be cured and depression and anxiety disorders disorders. They aren't as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required as well as 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 every day.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications that could help you manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants are not working, 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 cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some dietary supplements, it can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.