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Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage depressive anxiety disorder symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders definition psychology (Jszst.com.cn) disorders is typically three-pronged, including therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to work.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder, such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause side effects, like stomach and nausea 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 hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental conditions which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.
SSRIs aren’t addictive, unlike other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.
If SSRIs do not work for you, then your physician might suggest another class of antidepressants like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but carry a higher risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs, as this can increase some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a chemical that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia and various mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous if taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they typically look to medication as the first option. However this isn’t the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your behavior and thoughts to make you less stressed as much.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are the most popular benzodiazepines. They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effects and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they should not be used long-term since they can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks, but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short time – usually no more than 4 weeks. During this period, you’ll be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure that you don’t suffer an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you’re thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, talk to your doctor about your past history of using substances.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications 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 drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.
When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They are able to block adrenaline’s binding. This assists in lowering the heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don’t address the underlying causes of generalized anxiety disorder. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best general anxiety disorder medication beta-blocker for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
MAOIs
In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. They aren’t as widely utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are 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 that’s applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in mood, sleep and appetite, as also in sexual function. MAOIs are anti-anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings in boxes for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants do not work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction that can result in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause serious adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will talk with you about the foods to avoid. He or she will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the medication. They might also provide you with the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.