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Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs, the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and could also help increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well known. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorder s. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.

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

If SSRIs aren't suitable for your needs, your doctor may try a different class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but have greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, and some fruits and veggies. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.

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 chemical that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior to are less stressed.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. Each has a unique list of side effects but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders as than the quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks however, they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

When you are anxious, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who must give an address in public or fly on planes. They also make a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or have intolerable 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 best for you, based on your medical history and current health status. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression. They aren't as frequently employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken by mouth 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 block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can aid in managing your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.





Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered the original antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that can result in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are you are taking the medication. The doctor 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.