Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

Types of anxiety disorder symptoms Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs, the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks 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 oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). 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 increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They are able to be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help with 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, which in turn reduces what anxiety disorder symptoms.

SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may look into a different kind of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can 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 foods, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when you What Are Anxiety Disorders/Depression taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.

The use of medication is often the first thing people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. They all share the same pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effect profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However, they can be minimized if you taper off the medication gradually.

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 need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking using a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they are also available off-label to treat anxiety.

If you are stressed your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are an class of drugs that treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who have to give speeches in public or take an airplane. They are also ideal for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried medications for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or had unpalatable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you depending on your medical history and your health. These medications can trigger side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation method or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants have failed, as they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a wide variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.