Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to write the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, including therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. 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 are FDA-approved for treating 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 could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, which in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs are not working for you, your doctor might suggest a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but have more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medicines it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when 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 enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.
The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your behavior and thoughts to make you less stressed as much.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most popular benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of side effects, although they all share similar pharmacological properties. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks however, they can be minimized by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time. Most often, it is 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. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart which causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines that take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who need to deliver speeches in public or fly on planes. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the condition. This is why they are usually only prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical history and health condition. These medications can cause side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders . They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the risk of 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 applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood, and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry boxed warnings for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat 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 may also recommend a relaxation method or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was later discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants do not work, as they may cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other drugs and cause severe adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.