What Is Anxiety Disorder Medication? How To Use It

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications can be a beneficial instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to work. SSRIs SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa). These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication. The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness. Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back. If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may increase some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs like alcohol. The use of medication is often the first thing that people look for when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior in order to are less stressed. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam. Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this time to ensure that you don't have an extreme reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking a benzodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety. When you are anxious, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who need to deliver an address in public or take an airplane. They also make a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart problems like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. Therefore, they are usually only prescribed as part of a larger treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and current health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. MAOIs The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. panic anxiety disorder utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day. MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings about suicide. In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms. The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed, because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger severe side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. He or she will also provide the list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.