Everything you need to know about anxiety medications

The term anxiety encompasses feelings of worry, fear, and unease. Although it is normal to experience some level of anxiety at times, intense or persistent anxiety may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.According to several large surveys, up to 33.7 percent of people experience some form of anxiety disorder during their lifetime.Medications are available to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors may prescribe medication alone or in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or another kind of therapy.

Types of Anxiety medication

Several types of medication can treat the symptoms of anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the four major classes of drugs for anxiety disorders are as follows:

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant, doctors commonly prescribe them to people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

According to one article, doctors consider SSRIs to be the first-line drug treatment for anxiety.SSRIs work by stopping nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a vital role in mood regulation.

Examples of SSRIs for anxiety include:

• citalopram (Celexa)
• escitalopram (Lexapro)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
• sertraline (Zoloft)

These medications typically begin to take effect within 2 to 6 weeks, but they do not work for everyone.People usually take SSRIs for up to 12 months to treat anxiety, then gradually reduce the dosage. These drugs are not habit-forming, meaning that they do not usually lead to dependence.

2. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another class of antidepressant that treats depression and anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe them to treat some chronic pain conditions.

These medications work by reducing the brain’s reabsorption of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.

Examples of SNRIs for anxiety are:

1. duloxetine (Cymbalta)
2. venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

3. Tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of antidepressant drug. Although they may be effective for the treatment of depression and anxiety, doctors often prescribe SSRIs instead, as they cause fewer side effects.However, TCAs may be useful for some people, especially if other medications do not provide relief.

Examples of TCAs for anxiety include:

1. amitriptyline (Elavil)
2. imipramine (Tofranil)
3. nortriptyline (Pamelor)

4. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative drug that reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tense muscles. These drugs also encourage relaxation, and their effects take place within a few minutes.

Benzodiazepines include:

1. alprazolam (Xanax)
2. chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
3. diazepam (Valium)
4. lorazepam (Ativan)

Although they are highly effective for short-term issues, doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines because they become less effective over time and can be addictive.Due to these risks, experts suggest that doctors do not prescribe the continuous use of benzodiazepines for more than 1 month.Some people may take benzodiazepines to manage short-term anxiety. For example, people with a fear of flying may take them before a flight.At times, people may take a benzodiazepine alongside an SSRI for a few weeks until the SSRI takes effect.

Side effects

Antidepressants and other drugs for anxiety have the potential to cause side effects in some people.

These often resolve after a few weeks, but it is crucial to see a doctor if they are intolerable or do not subside.Some doctors may recommend taking anxiety medications with food to minimize side effects, or taking them before bed, as long as the drug does not interfere with sleep.The side effects that a person experiences may vary depending on the type of medication.

SSRIs

he side effects of SSRIs can include:

1. blurry vision
2. dizziness
3. drowsiness or fatigue
4. dry mouth
5. feeling agitated or restless
6. gaining weight
7. headaches
8. nausea
9. sexual problems or erectile dysfunction
10. sleep problems
11. an upset stomach

SNRIs

The side effects of SNRIs are similar to those of SSRIs and include:

1. constipation
2. dizziness
3. drowsiness or fatigue
4. dry mouth
5. headaches
6. increased blood pressure
7. weight gain
8. loss of appetite
9. nausea
10. sexual problems or erectile dysfunction
11. sleep problems
12. sweating more than usual
13. an upset stomach

TCAs

Side effects vary among TCAs, as they work in different ways. Possible side effects include:

1. blurry vision
2. constipation
3. difficulty urinating
4. dry mouth
5. drowsiness
6. increase in appetite
7. lightheadedness
8. low blood pressure after standing up
9. sexual problems or erectile dysfunction
10. sweating more than usual
11. tremors
12. weight loss or gain

Benzodiazepines

These medications can cause several side effects, such as:

1. blurry vision
2. confusion
3. dizziness
4. drowsiness or fatigue
5. headaches
6. loss of memory or concentration
7. problems with balance, coordination, or speech
8. an upset stomach

Benzodiazepines also carry certain risks. For example, they can cause physical dependence, even after a short period of use. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines may lead to:

1. anxiety and restlessness
2. depression
3. sleep problems
4. sweating
5. seizures

More severe risks of benzodiazepines may include:

1. addiction
2. cognitive decline
3. hip fractures
4. motor vehicle accidents, as they can affect a person’s ability to drive
5. overdose, especially in combination with opioid drugs or alcohol

Beta-blockers

Possible side effects of beta-blockers include:

1. cold hands and feet
2. depression
3. extreme tiredness
4. low blood pressure
5. shortness of breath
6. sleep problems
7. weight gain

People with asthma should avoid beta-blockers. People with diabetes should take them with caution and speak to a doctor about the possible risks.

Buspirone

The side effects of buspirone may include:

1. blurry vision
2. diarrhea
3. dizziness
4. drowsiness
5. dry mouth
6. fatigue
7. headaches
8. muscle pains
9. nausea
10. poor concentration
11. restlessness or nervousness
12. sleep problems
13. sweating
14. weakness

MAOIs

Potential side effects of MAOIs include:

1. constipation
2. diarrhea
3. difficulty urinating
4. dizziness
5. drowsiness
6. dry mouth
7. headaches
8. low blood pressure
9. nausea
10. sexual dysfunction
11. sleep problems
12. sweating
13. weight gain

These medications also interact with several other drugs as well as some foods and drinks. Anyone taking MAOIs should ask their doctor for a complete list of the medicines, foods, and drinks that they need to avoid.