Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be taken on their own 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 how SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders . They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "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 effective, but carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.
The use of medication is often the first thing people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder , but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to modify your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. They all share the same physical properties, but each has its own distinct side effects characteristic. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However, they can be minimized if you taper off the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering using a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs block 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 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 called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who need to deliver a speech in public or travel on planes. They are also a good option for people with anxiety and chronic heart issues such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you based on your medical history and your health. These medications can trigger negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and 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 block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. For panic anxiety disorder , a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is considered the original antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in a variety of red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, as well as some dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you need to avoid. He or she will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.