Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Is Your Next Big Obsession
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to reduce the risk of side effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to be effective.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. They include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as well as citalopram, (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders definition psychology disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do anxiety disorders ever go away not appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also efficient, but they carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can 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 good idea to avoid these foods. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders, and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they often resort to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior to are less stressed.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate and quazepam are the most popular benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar pharmacological properties. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are efficient, they aren't advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly like sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you do not have an extremely severe reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking the use of a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety and eating disorders symptoms. These medications block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed off-label in cases of anxiety.
If you are stressed your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who have to give a speech in public or take a plane. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker medicine for generalized anxiety disorder you according to your medical background and current health condition. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss the options cure for anxiety disorder treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs inhibit 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 and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety disorders what is it. 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 below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't perform, as they could cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause extreme side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. They will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.
