Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person's daily life. Fortunately, there are several medications available to help manage anxiety symptoms. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of anti-anxiety agents, their uses, and potential side effects.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medications that are also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Medicines:
a) Prozac (fluoxetine)
b) Zoloft (sertraline)
c) Lexapro (escitalopram)
d) Paxil (paroxetine)
e) Celexa (citalopram)
Uses:
SSRIs are used to treat various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Side Effects:
Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, drowsiness, headache, and sexual dysfunction. In rare cases, they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in young people.
- Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative medications that can help reduce anxiety symptoms by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
Medicines:
a) Xanax (alprazolam)
b) Klonopin (clonazepam)
c) Ativan (lorazepam)
d) Valium (diazepam)
Uses:
Benzodiazepines are primarily used to treat acute anxiety symptoms and panic attacks. They can also be used as a short-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Side Effects:
Common side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and confusion. They can also be habit-forming, and long-term use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
- Buspirone
Buspirone is a medication that works by binding to serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Medicine: Buspar (buspirone)
Uses:
Buspirone is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and may also be used to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Side Effects:
Common side effects of buspirone include dizziness, headache, nausea, and nervousness. It may also take several weeks for the medication to take effect.
- Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are medications that block the effects of adrenaline and can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, tremors, and sweating.
Medicine:
a) Inderal (propranolol)
b) Tenormin (atenolol)
Uses:
Beta-blockers are primarily used to treat performance anxiety and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Side Effects:
Common side effects of beta-blockers include dizziness, fatigue, and slow heartbeat. They may also worsen symptoms of asthma or other respiratory conditions.
- Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications are primarily used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia but may also be used to treat severe anxiety symptoms.
Medicine:
a) Abilify (aripiprazole)
b) Seroquel (quetiapine)
c) Risperdal (risperidone)
Uses:
Antipsychotics are used to treat severe anxiety symptoms that do not respond to other treatments. They may also be used to treat specific anxiety disorders such as OCD
- Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a class of medications that are primarily used to treat depression, but some types can also be effective in treating anxiety disorders.
Medicine:
a) Effexor (venlafaxine)
b) Cymbalta (duloxetine)
c) Remeron (mirtazapine)
d) Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Uses:
Antidepressants may be used to treat various anxiety disorders, including GAD, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of antidepressants include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, drowsiness, headache, and sexual dysfunction. They may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in young people.
- Pregabalin
Pregabalin is a medication that works by reducing the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Medicine: Lyrica (pregabalin)
Uses:
Pregabalin is used to treat GAD and may also be used to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD) and panic disorder.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of pregabalin include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. It may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
- Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine medication that can also be effective in treating anxiety symptoms.
Medicine: Atarax (hydroxyzine)
Uses:
Hydroxyzine is primarily used to treat anxiety symptoms and may also be used to treat allergic reactions.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of hydroxyzine include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. It may also interact with other medications and should be used with caution in people with certain medical conditions.
It is important to note that all medications can have potential side effects, and some may interact with other medications or medical conditions. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new medication and to follow their instructions carefully. Additionally, medication should always be used in combination with other anxiety-management strategies, such as therapy, exercise, and stress-reduction techniques.