Types of separation anxiety disorder Therapies Disorder Medication

The use of medications can be a beneficial tool to help manage anxiety symptoms. Psychiatrists are trained extensively in the use of medication and are able to make appropriate prescriptions that will minimize side effects.

The typical treatment for anxiety disorders is three-pronged and consists of therapy, exercise and medication. SSRIs are the first choice of medications for treating anxiety, can take up to several weeks to be effective.

SSRIs

The majority of anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The most recent 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, including fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paroxetine (aka Paxil) sertraline (aka Zoloft), and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These medications boost serotonin levels in the brain. They can also help to increase norepinephrine as well as BDNF. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with psychotherapy. SSRIs may cause nausea and digestive problems, but these side effects typically subside as the body becomes accustomed to the medication.

The precise mechanism behind the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't fully known. It is believed that SSRIs hinder serotonin reuptake by post-synaptic neuron and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses, which reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to decreasing social anxiety disorder causes, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be used to treat depression and other mental conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other forms of cognitive behavior therapy, which could improve their effectiveness.

SSRIs aren't addictive, unlike some other antidepressants. However, it is important to follow the prescriptions of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a recurrence of anxiety symptoms.

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

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, like eggs, red meat dairy, some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a wise idea to stay clear of these foods. Additionally, it is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol when taking SSRIs as it may make it more difficult to deal with certain adverse reactions.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals within the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA), which suppresses the nerves' activity. These drugs can be effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and other mental disorders. They can be addictive and should only be used for a short time under medical supervision. Benzos are dangerous when taken for recreational purposes, or combined with alcohol and other substances.

The use of medication is often the first thing people seek out when they suffer from an anxiety disorder however they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, has been proven to help decrease the symptoms of anxiety disorder. There are a myriad of psychotherapies, but cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the most well-known and effective. This type of psychotherapy teaches you how to modify your behavior and thoughts so that you don't feel anxious as much.

The most common benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax) as well as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) Clorazepate (Tranxene) and lorazepam (Ativan) and the quazepam (Dalmane). Each of them has a distinct list of side effects but they all have similar properties in pharmacology. For instance, clorazepate is more effective in treating seizure disorders than the other benzodiazepines. Likewise, lorazepam is better for anxiety disorders than quazepam.

Although benzodiazepines may be efficient, they aren't recommended for long-term use as they can trigger physical dependence and tolerance. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, like a heart pounding as well as sweating and shaking if you abruptly stop taking the medication. The symptoms can be uncomfortable and last for a long time. However they can be slowed down if you taper off the medication gradually.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be taken only for a limited period of duration. In general, not more than four weeks. During this period, you'll need to closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure so that you don't have an extreme withdrawal reaction. If you're thinking about getting a benzodiazepine prescription, talk to your doctor about your history of abuse.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are a kind of medication that can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical responses like heart tremors and heart palpitations. These medications are usually prescribed to treat high blood-pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However they can also be prescribed off-label to treat anxiety.

If you are stressed, your body produces a chemical known as adrenaline, which signals the body to prepare for fight or flight. Adrenaline is a binder to beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart rate to increase and can trigger other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are the name of a class of medication that are used to treat hypertension and various heart diseases are able to block the action of adrenaline on its binding which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines which can take weeks or even months to show improvement in symptoms. This makes them an excellent option for people who need immediate relief from anxiety-related symptoms, such as those who must give a speech in public or fly on planes. Additionally, they are ideal for those who suffer from anxiety as well as an ongoing heart condition, such as atherosclerosis or congestive cardiac failure.

Although beta-blockers are effective at reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not tackle the root cause of the condition. As a result, they are typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates counseling and lifestyle modifications. They can be beneficial for those who have tried medication for anxiety disorders symptoms and found it ineffective or caused unacceptable side effects.

Propranolol, atenolol, and other beta-blockers are also available. Your doctor will determine the best drug for social anxiety disorder beta-blocker for you, based on your medical background and current health status. Taking these medications can have adverse effects, like low blood pressure or fatigue It is therefore important to discuss your treatment options with your physician.

MAOIs

In the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some anxiety and depression disorders. However, they're not utilized as often as SSRIs or other antidepressants due the need for strict diet restrictions and risks of interactions with drugs. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form, while others (such as Emsam) come in the form of a transdermal patch applied to the skin each day.

MAOIs block the actions of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in sleep, mood, and appetite as well as sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and come with warnings in boxes for suicide.

In addition to the MAOIs listed below, your doctor may prescribe other medications or treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol is frequently prescribed to ease physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety disorder diagnosis. Your doctor may also recommend a relaxation technique or other home remedies to ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 as part of research into tuberculosis. It was quickly discovered to possess mood-enhancing properties and is considered to be the first antidepressant medication. MAOIs should only be used in cases where other antidepressants have failed because they can trigger serious side-effects that require immediate medical attention.

If you use an MAOI and consume foods containing the chemical tyramine that is found in many cheeses, red meats, shellfish, fish, as well as some nutritional supplements, it could trigger an adverse reaction that can result in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include nausea, throbbing headaches vomiting, as well as a fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other medications and can cause severe anxiety disorder side effects like suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will talk with you about the foods to avoid. He or she will advise you against eating foods that contain tyramine when taking the medication. He or she will also provide a list of food that is safe to eat when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you stay clear of MAOI-related side effects.