7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Anxiety Disorder Medication
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication
Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to minimize the adverse effects.
Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged and consists of psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first choice to treat anxiety, but they can take several weeks for them to take effect.
SSRIs
The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. 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. There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by the FDA 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 medicines can boost serotonin in the brain, and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy, or by themselves. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.
The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety is not well known. However it is believed they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the amount of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the amount of signaling that occurs across the synapse and in turn decreases anxiety symptoms.
SSRIs can help reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They also can help with depression and other mental health issues that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They can be incorporated into cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to improve their effectiveness.
In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. It is nevertheless important to follow the doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, this can cause "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.
If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs may be effective, but they are more at risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs.
SSRIs may interact with certain food items such as dairy products such as eggs, red meat, as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is advised to avoid these foods if taking these medications. In addition, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can make it more difficult to deal with certain side effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. However they can also be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other substances, including alcohol.
If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they typically look to medication as the first choice. However it's not the only option. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are many different psychotherapies that can help however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your thoughts and behaviors so that you don't feel stressed as much.
generalized anxiety disorder , chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own list of side effects but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. For example, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.
Although benzodiazepines can be very efficient, they are not recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as a pounding of the heart shaking, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However they can be slowed down by reducing the medication slowly.
Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You should be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this period to ensure that you do not have an extreme reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering using a benzoodiazepine.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical reactions such as heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however they can 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 is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, an class of drugs that is used to treat hypertension and other heart ailments, work by blocking the action of adrenaline on its binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure.
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. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who have to give speeches in public or take an airplane. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.
Although beta-blockers are effective in decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't address the underlying cause of the condition. As a result, they are typically prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.
Propranolol, atenolol, as well as other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you depending on your medical history and overall health. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including low blood pressure or fatigue, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. However, they are not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin each day.
MAOIs block the action of MAO which increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite as in sexual function as well. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to trigger side effects and come with warnings about suicide.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition to the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.
Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only after other antidepressants are not working, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
It could trigger a serious reaction resulting in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in many cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and a few dietary supplements. This severe reaction can cause a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other drugs and cause extreme side effects, like suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts.
Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods you need to avoid. He or she will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine if you are you are taking the medication. They will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.