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Anxiety Disorder Medication: The Good And Bad About Anxiety Disorder Medication
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 right medication to minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first treatment for anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several 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 medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive problems however, they tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind SSRIs' action on anxiety isn't well known. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is crucial to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressant, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but carry more risk of having adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat, and certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and other psychological disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short durations under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.

When people have anxiety disorders , they often look to medication as the first option. However it's not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to are less stressed.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan), and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct list of side effects although they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for a long time but they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this period to ensure that you don't have an extremely severe reaction. Consult your physician when you're considering taking a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline that signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They block adrenaline's binding. This helps to lower the blood pressure and heart rate.

Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who have to give an address in public or fly on a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the disorder. They are only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or have intolerable side effects.

There are several different types of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best one for you according to your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger side effects such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required and the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and carry warnings about suicide.


In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may recommend relaxation techniques or other home remedies to alleviate your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other drugs and cause extreme adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume while on MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.

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