Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several 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 drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They are able to be employed in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. However it is believed they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

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

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. In addition it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various psychological disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used recreationally, 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, or talk therapy, has also been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your behavior and thoughts to make you less anxious as often.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most popular 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 the other hand, is better at treating anxiety disorders than the quazepam.


Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for several weeks. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief 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 to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This prevents the hormone creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.

If you are stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who need to deliver speeches in public or travel on an airplane. They are also a good option for people with anxiety and chronic heart problems like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying cause of the condition. Therefore, they are usually only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you depending on your medical history and health status. Taking these medications can have negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to help 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 considered the original antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods you need to avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. The doctor will also provide a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.