A Step-By-Step Guide To Choosing The Right Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of drugs and are able to formulate the right prescriptions to reduce the risk of side effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medication to treat anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They are able to be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, but these effects tend to diminish as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.
The exact mechanism by which SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help 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 improve their effectiveness.
Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's prescriptions exactly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs are not working for you, your doctor may try an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, or mirtazapine. These drugs are also effective, but have a higher risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs dairy, some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medicines, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. In addition it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that suppresses nerve activity. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances.
When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their 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 many different psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of psychotherapy can teach you how to modify your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as much.
Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. They all have similar physical properties, but each has its own distinct side effects profile. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizures than other drugs, and lorazepam works more effective for treating anxiety disorder s than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines may be effective, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for weeks but they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a brief period of duration - typically not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can help to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in the nervous system. This prevents the hormone producing physical reactions such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, but they can also be prescribed for off-label use in cases of anxiety.
If you are stressed your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the 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 conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show improvement in symptoms. They are a great choice for people who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms. For instance, those who must give an address to the public or travel in an airplane. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart issues, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying causes. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as part of a larger treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments. However, they can be an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.
There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you according to your medical history and current health status. The use of these medicines can cause side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure and fatigue, so it is crucial to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, work for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They are not as commonly used as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions needed 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 each day.
MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings in boxes for suicide.
In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to aid in managing your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon discovered to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be used when other antidepressants don't work, since they can cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and a few dietary supplements. This serious reaction can result in headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods you need to avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the drug. He or she will also provide the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.