How To Identify The Anxiety Disorder Medication Which Is Right For You
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to work.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause side effects, like stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The exact mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't fully comprehended. However it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety 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 crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you stop taking your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor may try another class of antidepressants like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, however they have a greater risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is best to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. In addition it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can cause more severe adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They function 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 anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for short periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people look for when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less stressed as much.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique list of side effects however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For disorders anxiety , clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However they can be reduced when you reduce the medication slowly.
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 that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your past history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps 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 conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.
When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who have to give a speech in public or travel on planes. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical history and current health status. The use of these medicines can cause side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants have failed since they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. He or she will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.