Anxiety Disorder Medication Tips That Can Change Your Life
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to write the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the most popular choice of medications for treating anxiety can take several weeks to take effect.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have 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 work for anxiety is not fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, which consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs may also be effective, however they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products, eggs, red meat as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior so that you feel less anxious.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and the lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of adverse effects, but they all have similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders as than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term since they can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However they can be reduced by reducing the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this time to ensure that you don't have an extremely severe reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your past history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
If you are stressed your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which take weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who must give an address in public or fly on planes. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart condition such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical background and current health status. These medications can cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. However, disorders anxiety utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the action 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 effects. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken in cases where other antidepressants have failed since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods you need to avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.