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Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase 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 drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health disorders which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you stop taking your medication abruptly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs are not working for you, then your physician might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but carry greater risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medicines it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. In addition, it is generally recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can increase the severity of some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous if taken recreationally or in combination with other substances, including alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder help symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as much.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other drugs, and lorazepam works better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for a long time, but they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor if you are considering the use of a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.

If you are stressed your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications that treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.

In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. They are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, people who are required to deliver a public speech or fly in an airplane. They also make a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best med for generalized anxiety disorder one for you based on your medical history and health status. These medications may cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken 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 block the action of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings about suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in many cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This severe anxiety disorder medications reaction can cause headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger extreme adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you avoid MAOI-related symptoms.