Types of Medication for Anxiety

Anxiety refers to the feeling of uneasiness such as worry or fear. This uneasiness could be mild or severe. Being anxious about facing an interview or a medical test is completely normal, but people with anxiety cannot control their feelings of worry or fear. These constant fears and worries can often affect their daily lives.

Anxiety can be a symptom of the following:

• Panic disorder
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Social phobias

Medication can be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder and is often prescribed along with other treatments.

Some of the commonly prescribed medications include:

1. Antidepressants: They work by regulating neurotransmitters and can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. The effects are noticeable after four to six weeks. Some of the common antidepressants used for treating anxiety include:
   • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: These drugs increase the serotonin level that regulates mood, sexual desire, appetite, sleep, and memory. Examples include:
     • Escitalopram
     • Fluoxetine
     • Paroxetine
     • Sertraline
   • Tricyclic antidepressants: Tricyclics treat most anxiety disorders except obsessive-compulsive disorder. Examples include:
     • Clomipramine
     • Imipramine
2. Benzodiazepines: These are sedatives that can help relax your muscles and calm your mind. They are useful in treating various anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Some examples include:
   • Alprazolam
   • Chlordiazepoxide
   • Clonazepam
   • Diazepam
   • Lorazepam
3. Buspirone: This drug works by regulating the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. It is used to treat both short-term and chronic anxiety disorders.
4. Beta-blockers: They are often indicated for treating physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Propranolol is commonly prescribed to help reduce anxiety symptoms in stressful situations.

Common side effects from antidepressants include:

• Weight gain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Sex problems

Common side effects from benzodiazepines include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Confusion
• Grogginess
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Nightmares

Common side effects from buspirone include:

• Nervousness
• Light-headedness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Excitement
• Trouble sleeping

Common side effects from beta-blocker include:

• Cold hands
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weakness

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Most anxiety drugs cross the placenta and can cause harm to the fetus. Moreover, these drugs may cross the breast milk and harm the baby. 
• According to various studies, fluoxetine has been considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Always consult your doctor before taking any anxiety medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Most anxiety disorder medications may react with alcohol, thereby causing these side effects such as:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Memory impairment
• Confusion
• Poor judgment
• Falls and injury
• Depressed breathing