How To Identify The Anxiety Disorder Medication That's Right For You

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 write the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to take effect. SSRIs SSRIs are the medication of choice for most anxiety disorders. The newer SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, such as 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 by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can have side effects, like stomach and nausea However, these tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness. In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs don't work for you, then your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications may be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances. When people have anxiety disorders, they often turn to medication as their first choice. However it's not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as the lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders as than Quazepam. Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However they can be slowed down by reducing the medication slowly. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should be used only for a limited period of duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this time so that you don't have a severe reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription consult your physician about your past history of substance abuse. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system 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 that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, such as those who have to give an address in public or fly on an airplane. They also make a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you based on your medical history and your health. These medications can trigger side effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they're not commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day. MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide. In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor may suggest relaxation techniques or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms. The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used when other antidepressants are not working, 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 fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can 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 what foods you should avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.