10 Healthy Anxiety Disorder Medication Habits

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the medication that are most commonly prescribed for  anxiety disorders . The latest SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well known. However, it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. 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 conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.

Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs aren't for you, your doctor could consider a different type of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs are also effective, but carry more risk of having side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and certain fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. In addition, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it can increase the severity of some side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These medications can be very 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 if taken recreationally or in combination with other substances such as alcohol.

The use of medication is often the first thing that people seek out when they have an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel stressed as much.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. They all share similar physical properties, but each has its own unique side effects profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.

While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication slowly.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a limited period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer a severe reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, speak with your doctor about your past history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that can help to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

If you are stressed your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds with beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension, and other heart-related conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding action. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that take weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. They are an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who have to give an address to the public or travel in an airplane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety and an ongoing heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or cause unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you, based on your medical background and current health condition. These medications can trigger negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the levels of serotonin and 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 carry warnings on suicide in a box.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

It can cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and a few dietary supplements. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she will also provide an inventory of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.