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What Anxiety Disorder Medication Experts Want You To Be Educated
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists have extensive training in the use of medication and are able to make the right prescriptions to minimize the adverse effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to work.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well comprehended. However, it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you stop taking your medication abruptly and suddenly, it can trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety symptoms.

If SSRIs are not working for you, your doctor may try another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications may also be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs dairy, some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.

Medications are often the first thing people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel anxious as often.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of adverse effects, although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks, but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should be taken only for a brief period of time - usually no more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this time so that you don't have an extreme reaction. Talk to your doctor when you're considering taking a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This is a way to stop the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in cases of anxiety.

If you are stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare 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 causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who have to give speeches in public or travel on an airplane. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. This is why they are usually used as part of a larger treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. They are useful for people who have tried medication for anxiety but found it to be ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is best for you according to your medical background and current health condition. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were 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 due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.


MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and come with warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed, as they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet requirements with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.

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