Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects typically subside as the body gets used to the medication.
The exact mechanism of SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.
SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs do not work for you, then your physician may try a different antidepressant class, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also efficient, but they carry a higher risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a good idea to avoid these foods. It is also generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.
Medications are often the first thing people look for when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to feel less anxious.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. Each has a unique set of adverse effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks but they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this period to ensure that you do not have an extreme reaction. If you're thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. 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 issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you're stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the adrenaline binding which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.
Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a good choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, people who must give an address to the public or travel in an airplane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety and a chronic heart condition like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to treat the root of the disorder. As a result, they are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical background and current health condition. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.
MAOIs
The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. However, they're not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and carry warnings regarding suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is considered to be the first antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some nutritional supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. They will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.