Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medications and are able to write the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to work.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder . These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. 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 signals that cross 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 that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs are also effective, but carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat, and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can cause a number of side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing 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 and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.
When people have anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each has a unique set of side effects, but they all have similar pharmacological properties. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines may be effective, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks however, they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should only be used for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering using a drug called benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that helps to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This stops the hormone from 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 also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself 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 causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart ailments. They block adrenaline's binding actions. This assists in lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require a long time to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who must give a speech in public or travel on an airplane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying causes. This is why they are usually only used as part of an overall treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which one is best for you based on your medical history and your health. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs can be taken by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and carry warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.