Everything You Need To Know About Anxiety Disorder Medication Dos And Don'ts

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to reduce the risk of side effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first choice of medications for treating anxiety can take several weeks to take effect. SSRIs SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder . These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These medications can increase serotonin in the brain, and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. The precise mechanism behind SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't fully comprehended. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which can increase their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back. If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might look into a different kind of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but have a higher risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products, eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may make it more difficult to deal with certain side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances. It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people look for when they have an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are many different psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thinking and behavior to make you less anxious as much. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effect profile. Clorazepate for instance is more effective at treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the contrary, is more effective at treating anxiety disorders compared to quazepam. Although benzodiazepines may be effective, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for a long time however, they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time to ensure you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your past history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to treat anxiety symptoms. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they are also available off-label to treat anxiety. When you're stressed, your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They block adrenaline's binding actions. This helps to lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who must give speeches in public or fly on planes. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure. Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't treat the root of the disorder. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as a part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they are an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical history and current health status. These medications may cause negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch. 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 also in sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and come with warnings regarding 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 frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to ease your anxiety symptoms. The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered to be a mood-enhancing drug and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. It can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. They will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine if you are you are taking the medication. He or she will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.