What Anxiety Disorder Medication Experts Would Like You To Be Educated
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medicines can be a useful instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize side effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the most popular treatment for anxiety can take several weeks to work. SSRIs SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders . The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved 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 may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive issues, but these usually improve as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism behind the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn 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 disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness. Contrary to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly it could trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs aren't suitable for your needs, your doctor may look into a different kind of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very efficient, but they carry more risk of having adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medicines it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances. When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first choice. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel stressed as much. The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects characteristic. Clorazepate, for example is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better at treating anxiety disorders than quazepam. Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for a long time but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a short period of duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They 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 drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety. If you are stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who must give a speech in public or travel on planes. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. Although beta-blockers are effective at alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the root cause of the condition. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as a part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical background and current health status. The use of these medicines can cause adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression. They aren't as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin. MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings regarding suicide. In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications to aid in managing your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms. The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention. It could trigger a serious reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplements. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.