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Anti-Anxiety Medications
| Ativan |
lorazepam |
| Azene |
clorazepate |
| BuSpar |
buspirone |
| Centrax |
prazepam |
| Paxipam |
halazepam |
| Serax |
oxazepam |
| Tranxene |
clorazepate |
| Valium |
diazepam |
| Xanax |
alprazolam |
Azaspirones
Azaspirones is a class of drug
effective in the treatment of GAD. It works gradually over 2-4 weeks to relieve
symptoms of GAD. It does not cause sedation, impair memory or balance, nor does
it potentiate the effects of alcohol. It is not habit forming and can be
discontinued without causing withdrawal symptoms. The drug is generally well
tolerated and the side effects are not usually serious enough to make most
people stop taking it.
Benzodiazepines
Most of the benzodiazepines are
effective against generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Some drugs in this group
are also used to treat panic disorder and social phobia. Benzodiazepines
are relatively fast-acting drugs. Their principal side effect is drowsiness, but
they have the potential for dependency. Individuals taking benzodiazepines can
experience a return of their anxiety symptoms when the drug is discontinued.
They may also experience temporary withdrawal symptoms. These problems can be
minimized if the patient and doctor work together.
Beta Blockers
These drugs are used mainly to
reduce certain anxiety symptoms like palpitations, sweating and tremors, and to
control anxiety in public situations. They often are prescribed for individuals
with social phobia.
Beta blockers reduce blood pressure and slow the heartbeat.
Tricyclics (TCAs)
These drugs were first used for
treating depression, but some are also effective in blocking panic attacks. Most
tricyclics may also reduce symptoms of post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some are
effective against obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD). Tricyclics generally
take two or three weeks to take effect. Some individuals feel the drugs' most
annoying side effect is weight gain. Other side effects include drowsiness, dry
mouth, dizziness and impaired sexual function.
MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
These drugs are used in the treatment
of panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD and sometimes OCD, but they require
dietary restrictions and some doctors prefer to try other treatments first.
Anyone taking a MAO inhibitor must avoid other medications, wine and beer, and
food such as cheeses that contain tyramine.
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
These are the newest medicines
available for treating anxiety disorders. SSRIs may be considered a first-line
of treatment for panic disorder, and they often are effective against
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Traditionally used to treat depression, the
safety and convenience of SSRIs (they require once-a-day dosing) have made them
among the most widely-used drugs in the world. The most common side effect,
which tends to resolve over time, is mild nausea. Sexual dysfunction,
primarily ejaculatory delay, also has been reported.
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[ Types of Anxiety Disorders ] [ Anxiety in Adolescents and Children ] [ Treatment of Anxiety Disorders ] [ Anti-Anxiety Medications ] [ separation anxiety ]
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