Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects.

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

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes 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 may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause side effects, like nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well known. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorder social disorders. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs are not working for you, then your physician might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, but they are more at chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. Additionally it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) that inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, separation anxiety disorder symptoms disorders and various mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs like alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as much.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks however, they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety-related disorders.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical called adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety like those who must give an address in public or travel on a plane. They are also a good choice for people who have both anxiety disorder separation and a chronic heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety disorders ptsd but they don't address the root causes. Therefore, they are typically prescribed as a part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.

There are several different types of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical history and health condition. These medications can trigger negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken by mouth 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 inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with 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. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest an exercise routine or other home remedies to ease your anxiety 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 believed to be the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in a variety of red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause severe side effects, like suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you the foods you need to avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. The doctor will also provide an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.