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Blog entry by Cary Andrzejewski

How To Identify The Anxiety Disorder Medication That's Right For You

How To Identify The Anxiety Disorder Medication That's Right For You

Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize side effects.

The typical treatment for what anxiety disorder feels like disorders is three-pronged and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, but they may take a few weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the drug of choice for most anxiety disorders. The latest SSRIs have better adverse effect profiles than older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat anxiety disorders that are generalized. These include fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline, (aka Zoloft), as along with citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs can boost serotonin in the brain, and could also help boost norepinephrine or BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive problems, but these effects tend to diminish when the body is accustomed to the medication.

The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety isn't fully understood. It is believed that SSRIs block the reuptake serotonin by the post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This improves the signaling between the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms.

SSRIs can reduce anxiety and increase the frequency of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are frequently associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which can improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs are not addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. Nevertheless, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor precisely. If you suddenly stop taking your medication, it can result in "discontinuation" syndrome and anxiety symptoms to return.

If SSRIs aren't suitable for your needs, your doctor may consider a different type of antidepressants, such as nefazodone or mirtazapine. These medications are also effective, but have a higher risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, such as red meat, eggs dairy, certain vegetables and fruits. If you are taking these medications it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. It is also recommended to stay clear of alcohol when taking SSRIs because it can cause a number of side effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for brief periods of time under medical supervision. They can be harmful when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed with alcohol and other substances.

When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they often 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 way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a variety of psychotherapies that can aid however the most well-known and effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for generalized anxiety disorder). This kind of therapy teaches you to change your thinking and behavior so that you are less stressed.

The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and Lorazepam (Ativan) and quazepam (Dalmane). They all share similar pharmacological properties, but each has its own unique side effects and pharmacological profile. For instance, clorazepate is more effective for treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines, and lorazepam is better than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they are not advised for long-term use due to the fact that they can lead to physical dependence and tolerance. In addition, they can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly, such as sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a few weeks. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short period of time - usually no 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 an extreme withdrawal reaction. Consult your physician if you are considering the use of a drug called benzodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that is used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs prevent adrenaline from binding with beta receptors in your 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 conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed off-label in the case of anxiety.

If you are stressed your body releases a chemical called Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself for fight or flight. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and heart, causing your heart to beat faster and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers are class medications used to treat hypertension, and other heart conditions. They are able to block adrenaline's binding action. This assists in lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.

Unlike SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which require a long time to show a significant improvement in your symptoms, beta-blockers work quickly. This makes them a good alternative for those who require immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who need to deliver speeches in public or take planes. They are also a good choice for people who suffer from anxiety and a chronic heart condition, such as congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety disorders Examples, but they don't address the underlying causes. This is why they are usually prescribed as a part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety and do not find them to be effective or to have intolerable side effects.

human-givens-institute-logo.pngPropranolol and atenolol as well as other beta-blockers are available. Your doctor will determine the best one for you based on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger negative side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

Monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) which were first developed in the 1950s to be an antidepressant, have proven to be effective for certain anxiety and depression disorders. They are not as commonly employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants due to the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs come in tablet form and can be taken orally, while others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal skin patch.

MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin as well as norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to cause side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings on suicide in a box.

In addition to the MAOIs mentioned below, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments or medications that could help you manage your symptoms. A beta-blocker, like propranolol, is usually prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor might suggest a relaxation technique, or other home treatments to help ease your symptoms.

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

It can cause a dangerous reaction resulting in high blood pressure if you are taking an MAOI when you eat foods that contain tyramine. Tyramine is found in a variety of cheeses and red meats as well as in fish, shellfish and some dietary supplement. Symptoms of this severe 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 anxiety disorder ever go away discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. The doctor will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine if you are taking the medication. He or she will also provide the list of foods that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. Using this food guide will help to prevent MAOI-related adverse effects.

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