It's Time To Extend Your Anxiety Disorder Medication Options
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize side effects.
The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorder s that are generalized. These include 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 aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully known. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can also be effective, but they are more prone to the chance of causing adverse reactions than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products such as red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. In addition it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically turn to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to modify your thoughts and behaviors to make you less stressed as much.
The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effects profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very effective, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering the use of a benzodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
When you are anxious, your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat more quickly and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the binding action of adrenaline, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. They are an excellent choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For example, those who are required to deliver an address to the public or travel in an airplane. They are also an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. This is why they are usually only used as part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they are an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best one for you based on your medical history and overall health. Taking these medications can have side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are 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 interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and are accompanied by warnings regarding suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants have failed, as they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in a variety of red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it can trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you the foods you should avoid. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are you are taking the medication. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.