anxiety-disorders

Types of Anxiety Disorder MedicationMedications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medication and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects.The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to be effective.SSRIsSSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of 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 medicines can boost serotonin in the brain and can also boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They are able to be used in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.The precise mechanism behind the SSRIs’ effect on anxiety isn’t fully known. However it is believed that they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.SSRIs can reduce 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 psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness.Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don’t appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.If SSRIs aren’t suitable for your needs, your doctor may try a different class of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These drugs can be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the newer SSRIs.SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including red meat, eggs dairy, some vegetables and fruits. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs because this can increase the severity of some adverse reactions.BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs can be effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should be used only for short periods 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 that people turn to when they have an anxiety disorder However, they’re not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior to are less stressed.Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate, for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective at treating anxiety disorders compared to the quazepam.Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for weeks, but they can be reduced by slowly tapering off the medication.Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should only be used for a short period of duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don’t suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you’re thinking about taking a benzodiazepine prescription speak with your doctor about your past history of using substances.Beta-blockersBeta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however, they can also be prescribed for non-pharmacological use for anxiety-related disorders.If you are stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline which signals your body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart which causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medications that treat hypertension and other heart conditions, work by blocking the adrenaline binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who must give a speech in public or take planes. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.Beta-blockers can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don’t address the root causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with an extensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. They are useful for people who have tried anti-anxiety medication and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are all available. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you, based on your medical history and current health status. These medications can cause negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. overcoming anxiety is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.MAOIsMonoamine Oxase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They aren’t as frequently employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions that are required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs can be taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come 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 are involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and sexual function. MAOIs also have effects on anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to alleviate your symptoms.Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have mood-enhancing properties and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only employed when other antidepressants fail to perform, as they could cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.If you use an MAOI and eat foods that contain tyramine, a substance in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, and certain dietary supplements, it can trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior.Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. He or she will tell you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the drug. He or she may also give you the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.