Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medication and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within 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. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy and other types of cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.
Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can be effective, but they are more at chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise idea to avoid these foods. Additionally it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs since it can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people look for when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as often.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effect profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. They stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you're 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 to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who must give speeches in public or travel on an airplane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart condition like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying causes. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are an option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or have intolerable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you, based on your medical background and current health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as widely employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for interactions with other 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 inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to treat your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction that can result in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and a few dietary supplements. This severe reaction could cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. He or she will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.