8 Tips For Boosting Your Anxiety Disorder Medication Game

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medicines are a great option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the right medication to minimize side effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is usually three-pronged: therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first option of medication to treat anxiety can take several weeks to be effective. SSRIs Most anxiety disorders can be treated with SSRIs. Newer SSRIs have more favorable adverse effects than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Several SSRIs are FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder , such as fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) and sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa). These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain and may also help to boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive issues, however these side effects typically subside as the body gets used to the medication. The exact mechanism by which SSRIs work for anxiety is not understood fully. It is believed that SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This enhances the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms. SSRIs can reduce anxiety and the intensity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental disorders that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be utilized in combination with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy to improve their effectiveness. Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs are not believed to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow the prescriptions of your doctor exactly. If you discontinue your medication suddenly it could trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a recurrence of anxiety-related symptoms. If SSRIs are not suitable for you, your doctor might consider a different type of antidepressants, such as mirtazapine or nefazodone. 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 red meat, eggs dairy, some vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these drugs it is a good idea to avoid these foods. In addition, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs as it may increase the severity of some side effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects of certain chemicals found in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter named gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the activity of nerves. These medications can be very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used recreationally, or when mixed with alcohol or other substances. Medications are often the first thing people turn to when they suffer from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only treatment option. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has also been proven to help decrease anxiety-related 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). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior to feel less anxious. The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene), lorazepam (Ativan), and quazepam (Dalmane). Each one has its own set of adverse effects, but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for example, is more effective in treating seizures compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on other hand, is better at treating anxiety disorders compared to Quazepam. Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they may lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly, such as a pounding heart, sweating and shaking. The symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and last for weeks however, they can be slowed down by slowly tapering off the medication. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of time, usually not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure to ensure you don't suffer a severe withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician in the event that you are thinking of taking a benzoodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are an type of medication that helps to treat anxiety symptoms. These drugs stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations and tremors. These medications are usually 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 the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the brain and heart and causes your heart to beat more quickly and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers are a class medication used to treat hypertension, and other heart ailments. They work by blocking adrenaline's binding actions. This can help lower the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines that require weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them an excellent alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms for instance, those who have to give a speech in public or take an airplane. Additionally, they are a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart issue like atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. Although beta-blockers are effective at decreasing physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. Therefore, they are usually prescribed as part of an overall treatment program that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications and have not found them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects. Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you depending on your medical history and your health. The use of these medicines can cause adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due to the need for strict dietary restrictions and the risk of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and are taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin. MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play an important role in sleep, mood, 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 carry warnings about suicide. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. A beta-blocker, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to ease your anxiety symptoms. Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 during research on tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is regarded as the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be taken when other antidepressants have failed, since they can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. It can cause a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI while eating foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of red meats and cheeses as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. This severe reaction could cause headache pain that is throbbing, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. MAOIs may also interact with other medications and result in severe side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Before prescribing MAOIs, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. He or she will tell you to avoid eating any foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. They will also provide an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.