How To Build Successful Anxiety Disorder Medication Strategies From Home

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists have extensive experience in the use of medications and are able to formulate appropriate prescriptions that reduce the risk of side effects. Typical anxiety disorder treatment is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they may take a few weeks for them to take effect. SSRIs The majority of anxiety disorder s are treated with SSRIs. The newer SSRIs are less likely to trigger adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil), sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. They can also aid in the increase of norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication. The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed that they inhibit the reuptake 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 it also reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and 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 used with psychotherapy or cognitive behavior therapy to enhance their effectiveness. SSRIs aren't addictive unlike other antidepressants. It is nevertheless important to follow the doctor's instructions. If you stop taking your medication abruptly, this can cause “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms. If SSRIs aren't suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs can also be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse effects than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as dairy products and eggs, red meat and some fruits and veggies. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. It is also generally advised to avoid alcohol when taking SSRIs, as this can increase some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals found in the brain and nervous system. They work by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that suppresses nerve activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and various mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for brief periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used for recreational purposes, or mixed with alcohol or other substances. If someone suffers from anxiety disorders, they typically turn to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of different psychotherapies that can help 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 change your behavior and thoughts to make you less stressed as much. The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), the lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique list of side effects but they all have similar pharmacological properties. For instance, clorazepate can be more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam. While benzodiazepines are efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly for a short period of time, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely unpleasant and can last for several weeks but they can be reduced by slowly reducing the medication. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should only be used only for a limited period of time. Usually, no more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing closely during this time so that you do not have an extreme reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering the use of a drug called benzodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however, they can also be prescribed off-label in cases of anxiety. When you are feeling anxious your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases, work by blocking the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety like those who need to deliver a speech in public or fly on a plane. In addition, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as a chronic heart issue like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis. Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. This is why they are usually used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medications for anxiety but 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 decide which beta-blocker is best for you depending on your medical background and current health status. These medications can cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is essential to discuss treatment options with your physician. MAOIs In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as widely utilized as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the strict dietary restrictions needed and the potential for interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day. MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a part in mood, sleep and appetite as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and are accompanied by warnings on suicide in a box. In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications to aid in managing your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation method or other home remedies to ease your symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting 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, as they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and eat foods that contain the chemical tyramine that is found in many red meats, cheeses fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it can trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. The symptoms of this reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to stay clear of eating foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. The doctor will also provide the list of foods that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.