5 Must-Know Anxiety Disorder Medication-Practices You Need To Know For 2023

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or on their own. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside 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 hinder serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neuron and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, which it also reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks.  disorders anxiety  can also be used to treat depression and other mental illnesses that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be combined with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to increase their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can cause "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs are not working for you, your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, like nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also efficient, but they carry greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to stay clear of these foods if you're taking these medications. In addition, it is generally recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may cause more severe side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical which inhibits 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 a short time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances.

If someone suffers from  anxiety disorders , they usually resort to medication as their first option. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can aid and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thinking and behavior so that you don't feel anxious as often.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most common benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct set of side effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. Clorazepate for instance is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when than Quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for a long time however, they can be slowed down by slowly reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. During this time, you will be required to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering a benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that helps to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These drugs block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which stops the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. However, they can be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

When you're stressed your body produces a chemical dubbed adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They block adrenaline's binding. This can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who must give speeches in public or travel on planes. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive heart failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they don't address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, including propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can cause negative side effects like fatigue or low blood pressure. It is crucial to discuss the options for treatment with your doctor.

MAOIs

The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. However, they aren't utilized as often 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 are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in sleep, mood and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and are accompanied by warnings about suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is often prescribed to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might also suggest an exercise routine or other home remedies to ease your anxiety 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. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants are not working, as they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing tyramine, a substance in a variety of cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it can cause an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in an intense headache, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you the foods to avoid. He or she will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the drug. The doctor will also give a list of foods that are safe to eat while on MAOIs. This food guide can help avoid MAOI-related symptoms.