Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications is a fantastic way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that will minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, but they can take up to a week for them to take effect.
SSRIs
Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several 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 drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They may also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive issues, however these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This enhances the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. It is still essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you discontinue your medication suddenly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.
If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor might suggest another class of antidepressants such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications may be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medicines it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol when you are taking SSRIs because it can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals within the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders , they typically turn to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to feel less anxious.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. They all share similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own distinct side effect and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than 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 cause withdrawal symptoms, like an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication gradually.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short duration. Usually, no more than four weeks. During this time, you will have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor when you're considering taking a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within your nervous system. This stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the heart and brain which causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the binding action of adrenaline which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who must give an address in public or fly on an airplane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you based on your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict dietary restrictions and risks of interactions with 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 inhibit the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation method, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered that it could possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not work, as they may cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and some nutritional supplements, it can 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 may also interact with other medications and can result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will talk with you about the foods you need to avoid. They will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while taking the drug. They will also provide the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.