This Is The Complete Guide To Anxiety Disorder Medication

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to write the right prescriptions to minimize side effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect. SSRIs The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa). These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive problems, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication. The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This enhances the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness. Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back. If SSRIs don't work for you, your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but carry more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some adverse effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and various mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol. When people have anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first option. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as often. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of side effects, but they all have similar pharmacological properties. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam. Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down by reducing the medication slowly. panic anxiety disorder are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking of getting a benzodiazepine prescription, talk to your doctor about your past history of abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label for anxiety. When you're stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are an class of drugs that treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. They are a great choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who are required to deliver an address in public or travel in an airplane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic heart issue like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis. Although beta-blockers are effective at alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to address the underlying cause of the disorder. They are only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety and found it ineffective or had intolerable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you according to your medical history and health status. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day. MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box. In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms. The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods to avoid. He or she will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the medication. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.