Types of anxiety disorder medication (blog post from Upgrade)

Medications can be a valuable instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor might suggest a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very efficient, but they carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a good idea to avoid these foods. In addition it is generally advised that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe adverse reactions.

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 substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as often.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of side effects, but they all have similar pharmacological properties. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and your breathing during this time so that you don't have an extremely severe reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However, they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the heart, which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering your 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 are fast-acting. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who must give speeches in public or travel on a plane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety and an ongoing heart condition such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the disorder. Therefore, they are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they are an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you, based on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure 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 for a variety of mixed anxiety and depressive disorder and depression. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) what are the 6 types of anxiety disorders available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings in boxes for suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments that can help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It can cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure if 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 a few dietary supplements. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. He or she might also provide you with a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.