Generally, most psychiatrists will prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety, with the most popular being Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). While these medications are usually the first choice, there are however different options used that were not originally created to treat anxiety.
Certain classes of antidepressants are also prescribed to treat anxiety, though they were initially designed to treat depression. Antidepressants are different from anti-anxiety drugs in many ways. Antidepressants have a smaller risk of dependency and abuse. They also take longer to start (4 to 6 weeks) and cannot be used for sudden onset of symptoms like benzodiazepines can.
The most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication to treat anxiety is SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro are the most common. SSRIs are commonly prescribed to treat general anxiety disorders as well as more severe anxiety such as OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. As with any medications these come with a risk of side effects. These include weight gain, stomach upset and nausea, sexual problems, sleepiness and dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. In addition, there may also be certain severe side effects involved such as suicidal thoughts, hostility, and aggression. Furthermore, antidepressants and benzodiazepines can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression.
SSRIs:
These medications are used to treat anxiety by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain involving serotonin. SSRIs accomplish this by making more of the neurotransmitter available to the receptor sites of the post-synaptic nerve.
A relatively new medication for anxiety called Buspirone or BuSpar works like an SSRI as it increases serotonin in the brain, thus reducing brain activity. In addition, it also reduces dopamine which is responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This medication begins to work in less time and carries fewer side effects than other anti-anxiety medications such as sedation. Furthermore, BuSpar does not cause loss of memory or coordination as well as not being habit forming like Ativan. However, the effectiveness of this medication is limited to that of generalized anxiety disorder only.
Oftentimes, Beta Blockers are prescribed as a treatment for anxiety as this disorder is known for increasing blood pressure and creating heart problems. They are also beneficial in alleviating other symptoms of anxiety including dizziness, sweating, trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. The most optimum use of this medication is in the treatment of phobias. Beta Blockers also come with a risk of side effects which include nausea, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and a very slow pulse.
Talk with your psychiatrist. He or she will ask you a series of questions and may conduct some physical tests to determine which medication, if any, is necessary. Remember to be patient as some drugs take several weeks to go into effect. However, it is important to let your doctor know if you dont feel that your medication is working or if you feel that it is causing adverse effects. You may have to switch to another prescription within the same class of drugs or to an entirely different class altogether.
Funmi Salami is an established writer who loves to write and share. She started an online classroom at Clivir.com where she provide more information about Anxiety Attack Symptoms and Herbs for Anxiety Disorder.
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