The Little-Known Benefits Of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to be effective. SSRIs Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than 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) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism behind SSRIs' action on anxiety is not well known. However it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This enhances the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you discontinue your medication suddenly it could trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a return of anxiety symptoms. If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. It is best to avoid these foods if taking these medications. panic anxiety disorder is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances. When people have anxiety disorders, they usually resort to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as often. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effect profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam. Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, 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, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for several weeks. However they can be slowed down when you reduce the medication slowly. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking a benzodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system. This stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders. If you are stressed your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure. Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take 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 for instance, those who have to give an address in public or travel on a plane. They are also a good alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Although beta-blockers are effective at reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the disorder. As a result, they are typically prescribed as a part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects. There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you according to your medical history and 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 The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day. 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, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding 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 alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention. If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in a variety of cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the drug. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.