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Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder , such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.





The precise mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well known. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

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

If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications may also be effective, however they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise idea to avoid these foods. It is also recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

Medications are often the first thing people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of different psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to change your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel anxious as often.

Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for several weeks, but they can be minimized by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your past history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who must give speeches in public or travel on a plane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying causes. As a result, they are usually prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. They can be beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you according to your medical history and your health. These medications may cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as widely used as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for drug interactions. 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 every day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood and appetite as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken in cases where other antidepressants have failed, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other drugs and cause extreme adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They might also provide you with an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.