7 Things You've Never Knew About Anxiety Disorder Medication

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to be effective. SSRIs The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication. The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety is not well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. 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, then your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also very efficient, but they carry more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also generally recommended that you avoid alcohol when 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 acids (GABA), a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances. It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people seek out 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 disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of side effects, although they all share similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for example is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to quazepam. Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication slowly. Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this time to ensure that you do not have an extreme reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a benzoodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, but they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety-related disorders. If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms like those who need to deliver speeches in public or fly on a plane. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects. There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and health condition. The use of these medicines can cause adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch. MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants have failed, because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and consume 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 an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause severe side effects, like suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods to avoid. They will instruct you to avoid eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.