According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5 percent of the population will develop Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, at some point during their lifespan. There are many effective pharmaceutical treatments for GAD. Most anti-anxiety medications fall under the benzodiazepine chemical class. If you feel you may be suffering from anxiety, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment option or options for you. Do not take medication while pregnant or nursing, as benzodiazepines can cause pregnancy complications.
Xanax
Xanax is the commercial name for the drug Alprazolam. Xanax is effective in treating general anxiety, depression characterized by anxiety, panic attacks and alcohol withdrawal. According to the Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs, 15th Edition (2005), studies have shown that xanax can cause a low level of sedation. In addition, case studies have reported that a rare but potential side effect of xanax is mania, particularly in individuals who are already prone to manic episodes.
Valium
Valium is the commercial name for Diazepam. The Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs indicates that valium works quickly but causes a high degree of sedation. It is effective in treating anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It is also an anticonvulsant, a muscle relaxant and has been used for preoperative sedation. Due to its muscle relaxing properties, valium is also effective at treating akathisia, a disorder characterized by a constant restlessness and inability to sit still.
Ativan
Ativan is the trade name for the drug Lorazepam. Atavan is effective at treating anxiety, catatonia, the manic phase of bipolar disorder, akathisia and acute dystonia, a disorder characterized by painful and uncontrollable muscle movements. Ativan is also used as a hypnotic agent and a muscle relaxant. Side effects include short-term memory loss and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, even if the drug was not taken for a long period.
References
- "Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed. text revision)", American Psychiatric Association, 2000
- "Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs, 15th edition"; Bezchlibnyk and Jeffried (Eds.); 2005
- "Stopping Anxiety Medication: Panic Control Therapy for Benzodiazepine"; Michael W. Otto et al; Oxford University Press; 1996
