7 Things You'd Never Know About Anxiety Disorder Medication

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medicines can be a useful tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work. SSRIs SSRIs are the drugs that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present 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 the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which can enhance their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return. If SSRIs don't work for you, then your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but have a higher risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. In addition, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances. When people have anxiety disorders, they typically turn to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious. The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and the lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of side effects, but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate for instance is more effective at treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. disorders anxiety , on contrary, is more effective at treating anxiety disorders in comparison to Quazepam. Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use since they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be slowed down by reducing the medication slowly. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used for a brief period of time – usually no more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your past history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety. If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Contrary to 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 option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who must give an address in public or travel on a plane. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety 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 determine which one is best for you according to your medical history and overall health. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. They are not as commonly utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and are 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 and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide. Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol is frequently prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method, or other home treatments to ease your symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken after other antidepressants have failed because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain tyramine, a substance that is found in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause extreme side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.