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What Is Anxiety Disorder Medication? And How To Use It
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication for treating anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to take effect.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat 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 boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products and red meat, eggs and some fruits and veggies. If you are taking these drugs, it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. In addition it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various psychological disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or in combination with other substances, including alcohol.

Medications are often the first thing people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only treatment option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to alter your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as 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 in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks but they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer an extremely severe reaction. If you're thinking of taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, 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 binds beta receptors in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are a class of medications that is used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. They are a great choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For example, those who must give an address to the public or travel in a plane. They are also ideal for those who have both anxiety and an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. As a result, they are typically used as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety but haven't found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. However, they aren't commonly used as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Certain MAOIs are administered orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.


MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications to aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. anxiety disorder physical symptoms may also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it could trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause an intense headache nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other drugs and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. They will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. They will also provide a list of food items that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.

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