15 Amazing Facts About Anxiety Disorder Medication You've Never Known

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications can be a beneficial instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects. The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to work. SSRIs SSRIs are the drug of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). 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 drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism behind the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully comprehended. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back. If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also very efficient, but they carry a higher risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat dairy, some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medications it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. In addition it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) that inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances, including alcohol. It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to change your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as much. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam. Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However they can be reduced by reducing the medication gradually. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in cases of anxiety. When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are an excellent choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, those who are required to deliver an address to the public or travel in an airplane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not address the root causes. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or have intolerable side effects. Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical history and current health status. The use of these medicines can cause negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks 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 block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide. In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention. If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior. Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods to avoid. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.