When treating anxiety, many psychiatrists reach for benzodiazepines, a class of anti-anxiety drugs. These drugs include Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). However, options for treatment include drugs not originally created for anxiety relief.

Quite often, antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety. These medications are not as likely to cause dependency or abuse and generally take a longer period of time to be effective. The other difference between anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications is that antidepressants can be taken for a sudden onset of anxiety symptoms.

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.

Buspirone (BuSpar) is a newer anti-anxiety drug that acts like an SSRI by increasing serotonin in the brain (subsequently reducing brain activity). BuSpar also reduces dopamine, a neurotransmitter (also a medicated substance) that increases heart rate and blood pressure. It starts working in half the time of antidepressant drugs, and lacks many of the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs, such as sedation. BuSpar also doesnt cause loss of memory or coordination and is not habit-forming, two problems with drugs such as Ativan. BuSpars effectiveness is limited to generalized anxiety disorder.

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.

A physician can ask questions and perform physical tests to determine if medication is warranted and necessary. It is imperative that you remember that all medications take time to become effective. In addition, you may experience a period of trial and error until the right medication at the right dosage is determined for your body and your needs.

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