Medication is helpful in combating the debilitating effects of anxiety disorders, but some medications can be addictive if taken for long periods of time. Benzodiazepines, the class of drugs traditionally used to treat anxiety disorders, can cause dependence and may require increasingly higher dosages to be effective. Newer types of drugs treat anxiety symptoms without causing addiction.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), another type of antidepressants, work by altering the level of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that affects mood and emotion. SSRIs include sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine, citalopram and fluoxetine. The effects of SSRIs will not be obvious until you have been taking the medication for several weeks. SSRIs don't produce as many side effects as tricyclics, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Common side effects include weight gain, sexual problems and trouble sleeping. Higher dosages of SSRIs may be needed to treat obsessive compulsive disorder.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressants particularly helpful in treating generalized anxiety disorders. SNRIs include duloxetine and venlafaxine. Potential side effects include headache, upset stomach, trouble sleeping and sexual problems.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a non-addictive anti-anxiety medication that can be used on a regular basis without the risk of dependence. The drug provides a mild tranquilizing effect without affecting coordination or memory. Because buspirone is a slow-acting medication, it may take up to two weeks to begin working. Buspirone is effective for treating generalized anxiety disorder, but is not as helpful in treating other types of anxiety disorders, according to HelpGuide.org. Possible side effects of the drug include lightheadedness, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, nausea, dry mouth and diarrhea.
Tricyclics
Antidepressants can also be helpful in treating anxiety. Nortriptyline, amitriptyline and imipramine are types of tricyclic antidepressants that help control anxiety. While tricyclics are not useful in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, they are effective in reducing symptoms of other anxiety disorders. Tricyclics can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness and a drop in blood pressure when you stand. If these symptoms occur, your doctor can change your dosage or recommend another type of antidepressant.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are traditionally used to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure, but are also effective in treating anxiety disorders. Beta blockers used to treat anxiety disorder include propranolol and atenolol. These drugs are helpful in controlling the physical signs of anxiety, such as sweating, rapid heart rate, trembling and dizziness, and may be helpful if taken before a potentially stressful event, such a giving a speech. Potential side effects of beta blockers include drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea and slow pulse rate.
