Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of drugs and are able how to reduce anxiety disorder formulate appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of 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 along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may aid in increasing norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have negative effects, such as stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety disorders phobia is not well known. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't for your needs, your doctor may look into a different kind of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, some vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain side 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 known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders (view Clicavisos), insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically resort to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as 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 thinking and behavior in order to feel less anxious.

Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effects profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be effective, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for a long time but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should only be used for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

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

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. They are a good choice for people who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For example, those who must give a public speech or fly in a plane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart condition such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root cause of the disorder. As a result, they are usually used as part of an overall treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or had intolerable side effects.

There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which one is best for you according to your medical history and health status. These medications may cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation method, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used after other antidepressants have failed because 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, fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it could trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. They will instruct you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They may also give you a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.