8 Tips For Boosting Your Anxiety Disorder Medication Game

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications can be a valuable tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are educated in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects. Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged: therapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they can take up to a week for them to take effect. SSRIs The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). 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 medications boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also aid in the increase of norepinephrine and BDNF. They are able to be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can have adverse effects, such as nausea and digestive problems However, these tend to improve as the body gets used to the medication. The precise mechanism behind how SSRIs help with anxiety is not fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs hinder the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the amount of signals that cross the synapse, and consequently reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression as well as other mental illnesses which are often linked to anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to enhance their effectiveness. Unlike some other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is essential to follow your prescriptions of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it could result in “discontinuation” syndrome and anxiety symptoms to come back. If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may try a different class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These drugs are also efficient, but they carry greater risk of side effects than the newer SSRIs. SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like red meat, eggs dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. It is advised to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs since it can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse effects. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other mental disorders. They can be addictive, and should be used only for short periods under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances. When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they usually resort to medication as their first option. However this isn't the only option. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been shown as an effective method to decrease anxiety symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies, however cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This kind of psychotherapy teaches you how to alter your thinking and behavior to make you less anxious as often. Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam Clorazepate, lorazepam, and quazepam are among the most commonly used benzodiazepines. They all have similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effect profile. Clorazepate, for instance is more effective in treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on other hand, is superior in treating anxiety disorders when in comparison to the quazepam. Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they are not recommended for long-term use because they may cause tolerance and physical dependence. In addition, they can cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them suddenly, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be unpleasant and last for a long time. However they can be reduced when you reduce the medication gradually. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be taken only for a short period of duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing throughout this period to ensure that you don't have an extreme reaction. Talk to your doctor in the event that you are thinking of taking using a benzoodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors within the nervous system. This stops the hormone from creating physical reactions, such as heart palpitations or tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system, but they can also be prescribed for off-label use for anxiety-related disorders. When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline is a beta receptor that is found in the heart and brain and causes your heart to beat faster and triggering other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, a class of medications that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the adrenaline binding, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can be used quickly, in contrast to SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them a great alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety for instance, those who must give a speech in public or fly on a plane. They can also be a great option for those suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure. While beta-blockers can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the condition. As a result, they are usually only prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they can be an option for those who have tried other anti-anxiety medications but haven't found them to be effective or cause uncontrollable side effects. There are several different types of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best beta-blocker for you depending on your medical background and current health condition. These medications can trigger side effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor. MAOIs Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, are effective for certain depression and anxiety disorders. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions needed and the risk of interactions with other drugs. Some MAOIs can be 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 each day. MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, and appetite as also in sexual function. MAOIs also have anti-anxiety properties. However, they are more likely to cause adverse effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry boxed warnings for suicide. In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor might prescribe other treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms. For example, a beta-blocker (such as propranolol) is frequently prescribed to ease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor might suggest relaxation techniques, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms. The first MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during research into tuberculosis in 1952. It was later discovered to have properties that boost mood and is believed to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should be used only when other antidepressants are not working, because they can cause serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention. It could cause a risky reaction resulting in high blood pressure when you take an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a wide variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in shellfish, fish and some dietary supplement. This serious reaction can result in a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs and cause severe adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you before prescribing MAOIs. They will advise you to avoid eating foods that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. They will also provide a list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.