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7 Helpful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the correct medication to reduce the risk of side effects.

Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs, the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to be effective.


SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. Newer 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 to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause adverse effects, such as stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, which consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental illnesses which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These medications are also efficient, but they carry a higher risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products, red meat, eggs and some fruits and veggies. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

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

The use of medication is often the first thing that people look for when they suffer from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to alter your thinking and behavior to make you less stressed as much.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of side effects, but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them abruptly, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized by reducing the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have a severe withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. anxiety disorder symptoms are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, those who have to give a public speech or fly in a plane. They are also a good option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure.

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

There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical history and health condition. These medications can cause side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they aren't used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are administered by mouth in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to ease physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken in cases where other antidepressants have failed since they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your dietary needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine while you are taking the medication. They will also provide the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.

Read More: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders