How Anxiety Disorder Medication Can Be Your Next Big Obsession
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to be effective. SSRIs SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may aid in increasing norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, which it also reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could enhance their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs don't work for you, your doctor might suggest a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs dairy, some fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs since it may increase some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing 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 other psychological disorders. drugs for anxiety disorder can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances. Medications are often the first thing people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your thinking and behavior to make you less anxious as much. Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam. While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication slowly. Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a drug called benzodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety. When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that treat hypertension and various heart diseases they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure. Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who are required to deliver an address in public or travel in an airplane. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Although beta-blockers are effective at alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to address the underlying cause of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and have not found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects. There are many different kinds 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 status. These medications may cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. However, they aren't utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day. MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box. Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms. The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and a few dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and trigger extreme adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. He or she will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.