It's The Perfect Time To Broaden Your Anxiety Disorder Medication Options
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will reduce the risk of side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the medication of choice for most anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder , including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety isn't fully understood. However it is believed they inhibit 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 it also reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly 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 antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also very efficient, but they carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these drugs it is a wise suggestion to avoid these food items. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect 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 suppresses nerve activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.
It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing people look for when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder, but they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been shown to help reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel stressed as much.
The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique list of side effects but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam.
While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You should be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing throughout this time to ensure that you don't have an extreme reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that is used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart tremors or palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety.
When you're stressed, your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are a class of medications that are used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the binding action of adrenaline, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. They are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who are required to deliver an address in public or travel in a plane. They are also an excellent choice for those who have both anxiety and a chronic heart issue, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the underlying 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 and do not find them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat depression and anxiety disorder s. They aren't as widely used as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required and the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to help manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation technique or other treatments at home to ease your symptoms.
The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplements. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you the foods you should avoid. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor might also provide you with a list of food that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.