The term anxiety disorder encompasses several medical diagnoses, including generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. The treatment of these anxiety disorders helps to stabilize behavior and emotions so that you are able to function appropriately in society. The two main treatments are medications and psychotherapy. You may benefit from one medication or a combination of several. Work with your therapist to find the combination that is right for you.
Clonazepam
Clonazepam is a member of the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. According to the Mayo Clinic, this medication is used only for short-term use to treat anxiety symptoms, due to the long-term dependence and rebound effects associated with the drug. Side effects include drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination and problems with balance and memory.
Diazepam
Diazepam has been the standard treatment protocol for anxiety for a decade. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diazepam has been replaced in recent years with long-term use of antidepressant medications. Diazepam is a short-term medication used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. It has significant side effects that can include drowsiness. In rare cases, it may cause agitation and worsen respiratory problems, and it is dangerous when used in combination with alcohol. Diazepam has been associated with birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Because diazepam eventually loses effectiveness, physicians recommend its use for very short periods of time.
Alprazolam
Another common benzodiazepine, alprazolam also presents some of the same difficulties associated with dependence, withdrawal and side effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, patients have reported sleep disturbances and heightened anxiety when the medication is withdrawn. The longer that alprazolam was taken consistently, the more severe the symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms can include stomach distress, sweating and insomnia that can last for up to three weeks after the last dose.
Buspirone
The action of buspirone is to prevent anxiety attacks, not to treat the symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, buspirone is not useful in the treatment of panic attacks. The medication does not give you an initial feeling of euphoria, so you may not think it is working. The medication does work to prevent anxiety and also has a low dependency and abuse profile. It is not addictive and has less pronounced side effects than benzodiazepines. Some of the common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by leaving more serotonin available in the body to help improve mood. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, this medication generally produces fewer side effects than other classifications of anti-depressants. Some of the common side effects include insomnia, sleepiness, sexual dysfunction and weight gain.
Sertraline
Sertraline is an SSRI that is thought to influence the activity of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. According to the Mayo Clinic, this activity plays a role in the prevention of anxiety disorders. Side effects of sertraline can include anxiety, constipation, decreased sexual desire, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating and loss of appetite. You may experience weight loss, trouble sleeping, vomiting or nervousness as a side effect of sertraline. Talk with your physician about side effects that you may be experiencing.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is a medication used to treat panic disorder, depression and anxiety. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that has a dual mechanism of action. It increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine by inhibiting reabsorption into the brain. Side effects differ slightly from SSRI medications and include headache, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, minor decrease in blood pressure and stomach upset.
