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 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.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are antidepressant drugs most commonly prescribed for anxiety. These include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro. SSRIs can treat generalized anxiety disorder as well as more serious anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Side effects include weight gain, stomach upset and nausea, sexual problems, sleepiness and dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. Even more serious side effects can occur, such as the possibility of suicidal thoughts, hostility, and aggression. As with benzodiazepines, sometimes depression and anxiety symptoms are increased with antidepressants.
SSRIs:
These types of antidepressant medications attempt to correct the chemical imbalance of serotonin in the brain. It accomplishes 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.
Since prolonged anxiety can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems, beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to treat these problems. They also help deal with physical symptoms of anxiety, such as dizziness, sweating, trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. Beta blockers are best for phobias. Side effects of beta blocker use include 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 for Anxiety Disorder.
categories: anxiety,depression,medications,disease,illness,health,fitness,wellness,family
No comments yet.