10 Tips For Anxiety Disorder Medication That Are Unexpected
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the most popular option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to take effect. SSRIs Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa). These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication. The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help with anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed that they block the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can decrease anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness. SSRIs are not addictive, unlike other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause “discontinuation syndrome” and a return of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs do not work for you, your doctor may try a different antidepressant class, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs 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, certain vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety disorders and various mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances. If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they usually look to medication as the first choice. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as a way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to modify your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel stressed as much. Alprazolam and chlordiazepoxide as well as diazep, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are among the most common benzodiazepines. They all share similar chemical properties, however each has its own unique side effects profile. Clorazepate, for example is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to Quazepam. While benzodiazepines are effective, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However, they can be minimized when you reduce the medication slowly. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short period of duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking a drug called benzodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for off-label use for anxiety-related disorders. If you are stressed, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the 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 may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension, and other heart-related conditions. They block adrenaline's binding actions. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate. Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show a difference in symptoms. They are a good option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For example, those who have to give a public speech or fly in an airplane. They are also a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic heart issue like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you, based on your medical history and current health status. These medications can cause side effects such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is essential to discuss your options with your physician. MAOIs Monoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin every day. MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by boxed warnings for suicide. In anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications that could help you manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol is frequently prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest an exercise routine or other home remedies to ease your anxiety symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken in cases where other antidepressants have failed because they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention. If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found that is found in many cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it can trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and can cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she will also provide a list of food items that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. Using this food guide will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.