Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes medication for anxiety disorder and depression, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. 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 anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety disorders questionnaire isn't 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 increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, which consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. It is still important to follow the doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, but they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost 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 Acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders ptsd and other psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances.

Medications are often the first thing people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This type of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of side effects, although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance is more effective at treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to the quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this period to ensure that you don't have an extreme reaction. If you're thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, consult your physician about your history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however, they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy-related disorders.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are an class of drugs that treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that take weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who must give an address in public or travel on planes. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine the best one for you according to your medical history and health status. Taking these medications can have adverse effects, like low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) were created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be 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 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 well as sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and are accompanied by warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in a variety of red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe anxiety disorder medications reaction could cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. They will instruct you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.