8 Tips To Increase Your Anxiety Disorder Medication Game
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medicines are a great option to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to write appropriate prescriptions that will minimize side effects.
Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications for treating anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to work.
SSRIs
SSRIs are the drugs of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The most recent SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). A variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).
These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can aid in increasing norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive issues however, they tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication.
The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety is not fully understood. However it is believed they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling across the synapse and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms.
In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can enhance their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause "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 mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also very effective, but carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.
SSRIs can interact with certain foods such as dairy products, red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos may be harmful when taken recreationally or mixed with other substances like alcohol.
When people have anxiety disorders , they usually turn to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies that can aid however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior in order to are less stressed.
The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and the lorazepam (Ativan), and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct set of side effects, although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on contrary, is more effective in treating anxiety disorders as than Quazepam.
Benzodiazepines can be very effective, however they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a pounding of the heart as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for a long time but they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of duration. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your blood pressure and heart rate so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your history of substance abuse.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. They prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses such as heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however they can be prescribed off-label in cases of anxiety.
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 with beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart-related conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding. This assists in lowering the blood pressure and heart rate.
In contrast to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that require a long time to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. They are a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For instance, those who have to 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 problems like atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.
While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed as part of an extensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments 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 cause uncontrollable side effects.
There are several different types of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best beta-blocker for you according to your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, such as low blood pressure or fatigue. It is important to discuss your options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first created in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the risk of drug interactions. Some MAOIs are 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 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 can reduce anxiety. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and carry warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to help manage your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to ease physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is considered the original antidepressant drug. Generally, MAOIs are only employed when other antidepressants fail to perform, as they could cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.
It can cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is present in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplements. The symptoms of this serious reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact other drugs and cause severe side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating any foods containing tyramine while taking the drug. They may also give you a list of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.