15 Interesting Facts About Anxiety Disorder Medication That You Never Knew
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication The use of medications can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to reduce the risk of side effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs, the first treatment for anxiety can take several weeks to take effect. SSRIs SSRIs are the drugs of choice for most anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several SSRIs have been FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa). These medications can increase serotonin in the brain and can also increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs can cause negative effects, such as nausea and digestive problems However, these tend to improve as the body becomes used to the medication. The precise mechanism through which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not fully understood. However, it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin from the post-synaptic neurons and increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health conditions which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could cause “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back. If SSRIs don't work for you, then your physician might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also efficient, but they carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain food items such as dairy products and red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if taking these medications. It is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can cause some adverse effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief durations of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs like alcohol. If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they often look to medication as the first option. However, this is not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective method to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of therapy teaches you to alter your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most popular benzodiazepines. Each has a unique set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is more effective for treating anxiety disorders than quazepam. Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking if you abruptly stop taking them. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However they can be reduced when you reduce the medication slowly. Benzodiazepines can be very addictive and should only be used for a short period of time – usually no more than 4 weeks. You must monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and your breathing during this time so you don't suffer a severe reaction. If you're considering taking a benzodiazepine prescription talk to your doctor about your past history of using substances. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. They stop 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 typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety. When you are feeling anxious, your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat faster and may cause other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that treat hypertension and other heart conditions are able to block the adrenaline binding which can help reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require a long time to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who have to give a speech in public or travel on planes. They also make a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart problems such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure. Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. This is why they are usually only used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle changes. They are beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety and found it to be ineffective, or had intolerable side effects. There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which beta-blocker is best for you, based on your medical history and health condition. These medications can trigger side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. disorders anxiety (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they are not used as frequently as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the requirement for strict dietary restrictions and the potential for interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch. MAOIs inhibit the action of MAO which increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety effects. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box. In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is often prescribed to reduce physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was later discovered to have properties that boost mood and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used after other antidepressants have failed, because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain Tyramine, a chemical found in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it can cause an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other drugs and cause severe adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the drug. They may also give you the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.