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.

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.

The most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication to treat anxiety is SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, and Lexapro are the most common. SSRIs are commonly prescribed to treat general anxiety disorders as well as more severe anxiety such as OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. As with any medications these come with a risk of side effects. These include weight gain, stomach upset and nausea, sexual problems, sleepiness and dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. In addition, there may also be certain severe side effects involved such as suicidal thoughts, hostility, and aggression. Furthermore, antidepressants and benzodiazepines can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression.

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.

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 a reputable editor and featured writer on Clivir.com where she provides and shares more information about Fear Anxiety Disorder and other information about Anxiety Disorder and Chronic Insomnia.

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