Why Anxiety Disorder Medication Could Be More Risky Than You Thought

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize the adverse effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications 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 newer 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 are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine levels and BDNF. They can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication. The precise mechanism behind the SSRIs' effect on anxiety isn't fully comprehended. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is present in the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses and 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 disorders that often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They are often used in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness. Contrary to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. It is nevertheless important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly it could trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs do not work for you, then your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These drugs can be effective, but they are more prone to the risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications, it is a good suggestion to avoid these food items. Additionally it is generally advised that you do not drink alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may cause more severe side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines boost the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) that inhibits the activity of nerves. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances. When people have anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their first choice. However, this is not the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be a way to reduce anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can help, but the most popular and effective is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior to are less stressed. The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). They all share the same chemical properties, however each has its own distinct side effects profile. Clorazepate, for instance, is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam on the other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when compared to the quazepam. Although benzodiazepines may be effective, they are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. They can also cause withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for several weeks but they can be minimized by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure that you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. If you're considering getting a benzodiazepine prescription, talk to your doctor about your history of using substances. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, they can be prescribed off-label for anxiety. When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication that treat hypertension and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding action. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Contrary to SSRIs and benzodiazepines that take a few weeks or months to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms, beta-blockers can be acted upon quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety, such as those who have to give a speech in public or fly on a plane. In addition, they are an excellent choice for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they fail to address the underlying cause of the condition. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with an overall treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications and counseling. However, they are an effective option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects. There are many different kinds of beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical history and current health condition. These medications can cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss treatment options with your physician. MAOIs Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. 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 come in tablet form and can be taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin. MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood, sleep appetite, sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause adverse effects and carry warnings about suicide. In addition to the MAOIs listed below your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications that could help you manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was soon found to have mood-enhancing properties and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Generally, MAOIs are only employed when other antidepressants fail to work, since they can cause serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention. If you use an MAOI and consume foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and certain dietary supplements, it can trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. This severe reaction could cause a throbbing head pain nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause severe side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behavior. Before prescribing MAOIs, your physician will talk with you about the foods to avoid. panic anxiety disorder will advise you to stay clear of eating foods that contain tyramine while you take the medication. They will also give a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.