15 Startling Facts About Anxiety Disorder Medication That You Didn't Know

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to write the right prescriptions to minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as stomach and nausea however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, which it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, however they have a greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you're taking these medications. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and various mental disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.

When people have  anxiety disorders , they usually resort to medication as their first choice. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel stressed as much.

Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance is more effective at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders as in comparison to quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for several weeks however, they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should only be used for a short time - usually no more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician when you're considering taking using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they are also available off-label for anxiety.

When you are anxious your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding actions. This helps to lower the blood pressure and heart rate.

In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who have to give an address in public or travel on planes. Additionally, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. This is why they are typically prescribed as part of a larger treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical background and current health condition. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, work for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants have failed since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and trigger severe adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating any foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor may also give you an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.