Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the most popular choice of medications for treating anxiety can take several weeks to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism of SSRIs’ action on anxiety is not well known. However it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. It is still crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, however they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also generally advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the nerves’ activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs like alcohol.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first choice. However it’s not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for generalized anxiety disorder) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same physical properties, but each has its own distinct side effect profile. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks however, they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you’ll need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don’t suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you’re considering getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your past history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block 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 commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.
If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. They are an excellent choice for people who require immediate relief from Anxiety disorders Causes-related symptoms. For instance, people who have to give a public speech or fly in a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the condition. As a result, they are usually used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or had intolerable side effects.
Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren’t as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety disorder getting worse. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation method or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed, because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain tyramine, a substance that is found in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it could trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can 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. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. They might also provide you with an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.