Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Is A Lot More Risky Than You Think

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medications and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged, which includes medication, psychotherapy and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug of choice for the majority of anxiety disorders. The more recent SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. Several 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 may also help to increase norepinephrine, or BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin from the post-synaptic neuron 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.

In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They also aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with Anxiety disorder social phobia disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. It is nevertheless crucial to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might try a different class of antidepressant, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications are also very effective, but have greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs.

SSRIs may interact with certain foods, such as dairy products, red meat, eggs as well as some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these drugs it is a good idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs since it may cause some adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemical substances within the brain and nervous system. They increase the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) which is a chemical which inhibits nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should only be used for brief periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken recreationally or mixed with other drugs, including alcohol.

It is not uncommon for medications to be the first thing that people seek out when they have an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a myriad of different psychotherapies that can help and improve your life, but the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (cbt for anxiety disorders). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior in order to are less stressed.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, clorazepate and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each of them has a distinct set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties pharmacologically. For example, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used long-term because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. Additionally, they could lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly like sweating, a pounding heart and shaking. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable and last for several weeks, but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication.

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used only for a brief period of period of time. Most often, it is not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll have to be vigilant about your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking of getting a prescription for benzodiazepine, talk to your doctor about your history of substance abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers can be employed to treat anxiety-related issues. These medications prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors within the nervous system. This stops the hormone from producing physical reactions such as heart tremors or palpitations. These drugs are usually used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions however, they can also be prescribed off-label for anxiety-related disorders.

When you are anxious your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds to beta receptors in the brain and heart and causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments are able to block the binding action of adrenaline which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which take a few weeks or months to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers are fast-acting. They are a great option for those who need immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. For example, those who are required to deliver a public speech or fly in an airplane. They can also be a great option for people with anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but they do not address the root causes. They are therefore only prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and counseling. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety disorders medicine and found it to be ineffective, or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will decide which beta-blocker is right for you depending on your medical history and current health condition. These medications can trigger negative side effects, including fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression. They aren't as frequently utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions required as well as the risk of drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood, sleep and appetite, as well as sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with boxed warnings for suicide.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to treat your symptoms in addition the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may suggest a relaxation method or other treatments at home to help ease your symptoms.

The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was quickly discovered that it could be a mood-enhancing drug and is considered the original antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants are not working, because they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing tyramine, a substance in many red meats, cheeses, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction can cause headache pain that is throbbing nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and cause severe side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will discuss with you the foods to avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. They will also provide a list of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.