The Little-Known Benefits Of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of drugs and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, including therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective. SSRIs The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa). These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. panic anxiety disorder can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental disorders that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness. Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs since it may cause a number of side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used recreationally, or when combined with alcohol and other substances. When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most popular benzodiazepines. They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effects profile. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective at treating anxiety disorders than Quazepam. Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks, but they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to 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 history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system, but they can also be prescribed off-label in cases of anxiety. When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They block adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure. In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a good option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, people who have to give a public speech or fly in an airplane. They can also be a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart conditions like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. Although beta-blockers are effective at reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you, based on your medical background and current health status. Taking these medications can have side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day. MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding suicide. Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation method 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 soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only when other antidepressants have failed, as they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and a few dietary supplements. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger severe adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior. Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor may also give you an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.