7 Things You've Never Knew About Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications is a fantastic way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize side effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to work. SSRIs Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder . This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa). These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, but these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication. The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well comprehended. However, it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy and other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which can improve their effectiveness. Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms. If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor might look into a different kind of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also effective, but have greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. Additionally it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances. Medications are often 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, also known as talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on other hand, is better at treating anxiety disorders in comparison to Quazepam. Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly like sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a few weeks. However they can be slowed down by reducing the medication gradually. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer an extreme reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are an type of medication that helps to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety. When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure. Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are a good option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, those who must give an address in public or travel in an airplane. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Although beta-blockers are effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the condition. This is why they are usually only prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or had intolerable side effects. There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression. However, they are not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be 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 every day. MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide. In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could aid in managing your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms. The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was later discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in a variety of red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your dietary requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. They will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.