Say "Yes" To These 5 Anxiety Disorder Medication Tips
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the 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 used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is nevertheless essential to follow your doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, however they have a greater chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. It is advised to avoid these foods if you're taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and various psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol and other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder . There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to are less stressed.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as the lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very effective, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer a severe reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in cases of anxiety.
When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline's binding. This helps to lower the blood pressure and heart rate.
Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who must give speeches 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 cardiac failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. This is why they are usually only used as part of a larger treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical history and current health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for drug interactions. 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 every day.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found that is found in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, and some dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They may also give you a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.