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Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize side effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to take effect. SSRIs Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa). These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause side effects, like nausea and digestive problems however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication. The precise mechanism through which SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could increase their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse reactions 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 recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders, and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances such as alcohol. It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a variety of different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effect and pharmacological profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam. Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly like a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for several weeks, but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be used only for a brief period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this period to ensure you don't suffer an extreme reaction. If you're thinking about getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, consult your physician about your history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However, they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety. When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This helps to lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who need to deliver a speech in public or travel on planes. Additionally, https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it to be ineffective, or had intolerable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you, based on your medical background and current health condition. 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 doctor. MAOIs The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of 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 can be taken by mouth 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 action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction can cause an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other drugs and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They might also provide you with an inventory of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms. |
