How Anxiety Disorder Medication Changed My Life For The Better
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but 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 effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder , including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can have negative effects, such as nausea and digestive issues, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. 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 improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.
SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.
If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor could try a different class of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs are also efficient, but they carry a higher risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, some fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it can cause more severe adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when combined with alcohol and other substances.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically resort to medication as their first choice. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been shown to help reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of side effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly for a short period of time, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be slowed down when you reduce the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time to ensure that you do not have an extremely severe reaction. If you're thinking of getting a benzodiazepine prescription, talk to your doctor about your history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within the nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.
When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart-related conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms for instance, those who must give speeches in public or fly on planes. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.
Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine which one is best for you according to your medical history and your health. These medications can cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain 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 interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.
MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and carry warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants do not perform, as they could cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing tyramine, a substance in a variety of red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it can trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you the foods you need to avoid. He or she will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide will help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.