Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medication and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs don't work for you, then your doctor may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but have more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
The use of medication is often the first thing that people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are disorders anxiety , however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior to are less stressed.
The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders as than the quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding, 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 slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short time. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor if you are considering the use of a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments they work by preventing the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For example, those who must give a public speech or fly in an airplane. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying cause of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or have intolerable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine the best one for you according to your medical history and your health. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat depression and anxiety disorders. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
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 mood, sleep and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation method or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction resulting in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. The symptoms of this serious reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods to avoid. They will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.