All The Details Of Anxiety Disorder Medication Dos And Don'ts

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications is a fantastic way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to reduce the risk of side effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the most popular treatment for anxiety can take several weeks to work. SSRIs SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Several 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 boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have side effects, like nausea and digestive problems, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication. The precise mechanism through which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness. Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. 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 come back. If SSRIs are not working for you, then your physician might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these medications it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can cause some adverse effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol. It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct set of side effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is superior at treating anxiety disorders than Quazepam. Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them suddenly, such as sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks however, they can be minimized by gradually reducing the medication. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking the use of a benzoodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from 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 can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety. When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. They are an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, people who are required to deliver a public speech or fly in a plane. They are also an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the disorder. Therefore, they are usually used as part of a larger treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects. There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best one for you according to your medical history and health status. The use of these medicines can cause side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day. MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box. In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms. The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. MAOIs should only be taken in cases where other antidepressants are not working, because they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention. It could trigger a serious reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and a few dietary supplements. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she might also provide you with a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.