Are Anxiety Disorder Medication As Important As Everyone Says?

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications are a great way to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of drugs and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize the adverse effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first treatment for anxiety can take several weeks to take effect. SSRIs Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). 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 may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as stomach and nausea, but these usually improve as the body becomes used to the medication. The exact mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well known. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse, and it also reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can decrease anxiety and the severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health disorders which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness. Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it may result in “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return. If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor could look into a different kind of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may be effective, but they are more at chance of causing adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as eggs, red meat dairy, certain fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. It is also generally recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can cause a number of side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However, they can be addictive and should only be used for short durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs, including alcohol. The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce anxiety-related symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and effective. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel anxious as much. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effect and pharmacological profile. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam. While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart 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 reduced by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this period to ensure you don't suffer an extreme reaction. If you're thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, speak with your doctor about your history of using substances. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular ailments. However they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety. If you are stressed your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the heart and brain, which causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They block adrenaline's binding. This helps to lower the blood pressure and heart rate. In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to produce a noticeable improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a great 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 congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis. While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to tackle the root cause of the condition. They are only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety and found it ineffective or had unpalatable side effects. There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best one for you based on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants that can treat anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict diet restrictions and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin. MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin 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 adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings on suicide in a box. Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms. The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was soon found to have mood-elevating properties 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 effects that require immediate medical attention. It could trigger a serious reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and a few dietary supplements. The symptoms of this reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause extreme adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you what foods to avoid. The doctor will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. They will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide can help you avoid MAOI-related side effects.