A Step-By Step Guide To Selecting Your Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize the adverse effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to be effective.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They may aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause negative effects, such as stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The precise mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety is not well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are frequently associated 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. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's prescriptions precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs are not working for you, then your physician may try an alternative class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you're taking these medications. In addition it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders, and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when used for recreational purposes or in combination with other substances, including alcohol.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first choice. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to are less stressed.
Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. www.iampsychiatry.com of them has a distinct list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on other hand, is superior at treating anxiety disorders in comparison 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. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for several weeks, but they can be reduced by gradually reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking about getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, talk to your doctor about your history of abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in the case of anxiety.
If you are stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors found in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension, and other heart-related conditions. They block adrenaline's binding actions. This assists in lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.
Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. They are a great option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, people who have to give an address to the public or travel in a plane. They can also be a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to address the underlying cause of the condition. Therefore, they are typically prescribed as a part of an overall treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They can be beneficial for those who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is right for you, based on your medical history and current health condition. The use of these medicines can cause adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of depression and anxiety disorders. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood, and appetite, as in sexual function as well. MAOIs can reduce 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 treat your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your anxiety symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't perform, as they could cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction that results in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods you should avoid. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. The doctor might also provide you with an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.