What Are the Common Medications Used for Anxiety Disorder
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 antidepressants are also used in the treatment of anxiety. These medications are different from anti-anxiety medications in several different ways such as a low risk of dependency and abuse. In addition, antidepressants can take anywhere from four to six weeks to fully take effect. These medications can not be used for sudden symptoms of anxiety either.
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.
A look at the mechanism of SSRIs:
This class of antidepressants attempts to correct the chemical imbalance involving serotonin by making more of the neurotransmitter available to the receptor sites of the post-synaptic nerve.
A new medication called BuSpar or Buspirone is being used to treat anxiety. This drug is similar to SSRIs as it reduces serotonin in the brain as well as reducing dopamine which is responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Another benefit to this medication is that it does not cause loss of memory, coordination or have a tendency to become addictive. It also does not cause side effects such as drowsiness like other anti-anxiety medications such as Ativan. The problem however is that BuSpar is only used for generalized anxiety disorder.
In some cases, Beta Blockers are used to treat anxiety as they contribute to high blood pressure and heart problems. This class of medications alleviates other symptoms of anxiety such as dizziness, sweating, trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. Generally, Beta blockers are the best option for treating a patient with phobias. As with the other medications listed earlier, Beta Blockers do come with the risk of side effects such as nausea, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and a very slow pulse.
Your doctor will be able to determine whether medications such as the ones listed above are necessary. He or she will ask you a series of questions as well as perform some physical tests to decide which medication will befit you the most. It is very important that these drugs take time to work at their optimum capacity and there may be a series of medication changes dependent upon any side effects endured.
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 Management and Herbs Treatment for Anxiety Disorder.