7 Things You'd Never Know About Anxiety Disorder Medication

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize the adverse effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to work. SSRIs Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder , including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause side effects, like stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication. The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't fully known. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness. Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return. If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry 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 you're taking these medications. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol. If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their 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 aid however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), Lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own list of side effects but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam. Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for a long time, but they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication. Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your past history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in 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 can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety. When you are anxious, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They are able to block adrenaline's binding action. This assists in lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who need to deliver an address in public or travel on a plane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the disorder. This is why they are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they are an option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety and have not found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects. There are several different types of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you depending on your medical history and your health. The use of these medicines can cause side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are 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 every day. MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms. The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken after other antidepressants have failed, as they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it can trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.