Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may aid in increasing norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive issues, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't fully understood. However, it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron 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 reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental conditions that are often associated with social anxiety disorder causes disorders. They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If you discontinue your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressant, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may also be effective, however they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good idea to avoid these foods. It is also generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They enhance t time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks but they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a short period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in cases of anxiety.

When you are anxious your body produces a chemical called adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who need to deliver a speech in public or fly on an airplane. They also make a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs and do not find them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.

There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical history and current health condition. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important 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 social anxiety disorder treatment and depression. They aren't as widely used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to treat your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-elevating properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you the foods to avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.