Jamal Oreilly asked 3 months ago
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have side effects, like stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn’t fully understood. However, it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which 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 illnesses which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren’t addictive unlike other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you discontinue your medication suddenly, this can cause “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs aren’t suitable for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may be effective, but they have a greater chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may cause a number of side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first choice. However this isn’t the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior so that you are less stressed.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effects profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than 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. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for several weeks, but they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you’ll have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don’t have an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you’re thinking about getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, talk to your doctor about your past history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that helps to treat anxiety symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety disorders questionnaire.
When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the heart, which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline’s binding actions. This assists in lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who have to give a speech in public or take a plane. They are also an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
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 changes and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications 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 determine the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical history and health condition. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that’s applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants have failed because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, as well as some dietary supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods to avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.