15 Amazing Facts About Anxiety Disorder Medication You've Never Heard Of

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that will minimize side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most  anxiety disorders . The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. 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 can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be taken on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive issues However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't well comprehended. However it is believed they block the reuptake of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental illnesses that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications may be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, some fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if taking these medications. In addition it is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.

When people have anxiety disorders, they usually resort to medication as their first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior in order to are less stressed.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) as well as Lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of side effects, however, they all share similar pharmacological properties. Clorazepate, for example, is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to the quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for weeks, but they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor if you are considering using a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations or tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This assists in lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. They are an excellent choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, those who must give a public speech or fly in a plane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

While beta-blockers can be effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine the best one for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications may cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as widely employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions needed as well as the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be taken orally 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 actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However, they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety 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 considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

It could cause a risky reaction that can result in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and trigger extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any foods containing tyramine while taking the drug. They may also give you the list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.