The History Of Anxiety Disorder Medication In 10 Milestones
Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication Medications are a great way to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained in the use and prescription of medication. They can prescribe the appropriate medication to reduce the risk of side effects. The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged, and includes psychotherapy, exercise and medications. SSRIs, the first option of medication to treat anxiety, can take up to several weeks to take effect. SSRIs Most anxiety disorder s are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse effects than tricyclics older than tricyclics as well as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. A variety of SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder. These include 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 help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea and digestive issues, but these side effects usually subside when the body is accustomed to the medication. The exact mechanism by which SSRIs are effective in treating anxiety is not understood fully. However it is believed they hinder the reuptake process of serotonin by the post-synaptic nerve and increase the concentration of serotonin within the synaptic gap. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which in turn reduces anxiety symptoms. In addition to decreasing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also help with depression and other mental health issues which often co-occur with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other types of cognitive behavior therapy, which could increase their effectiveness. Unlike some other classes of antidepressants SSRIs don't appear to be addictive. However, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication suddenly and suddenly, it can trigger “discontinuation syndrome” and a return of anxiety symptoms. If SSRIs are not suitable for your needs, your doctor may consider a different type of antidepressants, like mirtazapine or nefazodone. These medications may also be effective, but they have a greater risk of adverse side effects than the more recent SSRIs. SSRIs may interact with certain foods such as dairy products and eggs, red meat as well as some fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid these foods if you are taking these medications. Additionally it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs since it can make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse reactions. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines enhance the calming effects 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 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 be used only for short periods under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when used for recreational purposes or mixed with other drugs, including alcohol. When someone is suffering from anxiety disorders, they usually turn to medication as their first choice. However it's not the only option. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and efficient. This kind of therapy helps you to change your thoughts and behavior to feel less anxious. The most popular benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and the lorazepam (Ativan) and Quazepam (Dalmane). Each has a unique set of side effects, however, they all share similar properties pharmacologically. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than other drugs, and lorazepam works better than quazepam. Benzodiazepines are extremely effective, but they should not be used long-term because they may cause physical dependence and tolerance. Additionally, they could cause withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them abruptly like sweating, a heart beating and shaking. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be reduced if you taper off the medication gradually. Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive and should be used only for a short duration – typically not more than 4 weeks. During this period, you'll be required to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. Speak to your doctor if you are considering using a benzodiazepine. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are used to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs block adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, preventing the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are typically used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues however they can be prescribed for non-pharmacological use in cases of anxiety. When you feel anxious, your body releases a chemical dubbed Adrenaline. This chemical signals your body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the heart and brain, causing your heart to beat more quickly and triggering a variety of physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the binding action of adrenaline, which helps to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. Beta-blockers are quick to work, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show a difference in symptoms. This makes them a great choice for those who require immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who need to deliver an address in public or fly on a plane. They can also be a great alternative for people suffering from anxiety and chronic heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and congestive cardiac failure. Although beta-blockers are effective at alleviating physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not treat the root of the disorder. They are therefore only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle adjustments and counseling. However, they are a useful option for people who have tried other anti-anxiety drugs but haven't found them to be effective or to cause uncontrollable side effects. There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will determine which one is right for you depending on your medical history and health status. These medications can trigger adverse effects, like fatigue or low blood pressure, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your physician. MAOIs The first MAOIs were developed in the 1950s. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for a variety of anxiety and depression disorders. They aren't as frequently employed as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions required and the potential for drug interactions. Certain MAOIs are available in tablet form and are taken orally, whereas others (such Emsam) are applied as a transdermal patch for skin. MAOIs interfere with the actions of MAO and increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine that is found in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs have an anti-anxiety effect. They are more likely than TCAs or SSRIs to cause side effects and carry warnings regarding suicide. Your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments to manage your symptoms in addition the MAOIs listed below. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, is usually prescribed to alleviate the physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Your doctor may also recommend an exercise routine or other home remedies to help ease your symptoms. The original MAOI, Iproniazid, was discovered during tuberculosis research in 1952. It was soon found to have properties that boost mood and is considered the first antidepressant medication. Typically, MAOIs can only be employed when other antidepressants fail to work, as they may cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. If you take an MAOI and consume foods that contain tyramine, a substance in many red meats, cheeses shellfish, fish, as well as certain dietary supplements, it could trigger an unintentional reaction that results in high blood pressure. This serious reaction can result in a throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat. MAOIs can also interact other medications and cause serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will discuss your diet needs with you prior to prescribing MAOIs. They will instruct you to avoid eating any foods containing tyramine while taking the medication. He or she might also provide you with an inventory of food that are safe to eat when taking MAOIs. The food guide provided will help prevent MAOI-related side effects.