Anxiety presents in many different forms, but most types include unpleasant feelings of worry, dread or unease. No medical cure for anxiety exists, but several medications can ease the symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center Website. Medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), another class of antidepressants.
These different types of medications have different side effects associated with them, all of which should be considered when deciding whether to take these medications.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, the most common medications for short-term anxiety treatment, include alprazolam (trade name, Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepam (Valium). The most serious side effect associated with benzodiazepines is the risk for dependency and abuse. Scientists posit that individuals using these medications regularly for a long period of time often develop both psychological and physiological dependency. They may experience cravings and drug-seeking behavior, such as frequent visits to the doctor for prescription refills, according to Dr. C. Heather Ashton in a 1995 article in the journal "Psychiatric Annals."
Anti-anxiety medications may lose their effectiveness over time, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center Website. When the medication stops working, the individual may increase their dosage, resulting in tolerance and dependency. Memory impairment is a serious concern in benzodiazepine use, according to Dr. Ashton, with difficulties in the acquisition of new memories reported by some users. Memory lapses known as transient global amnesia may occur several hours after the drug is taken.
Other side effects that can occur include a paradoxical stimulant effect, in which the individual becomes agitated or more anxious, emotional blunting or depression and sedation, according to Dr. Ashton. Combination with alcohol can be very dangerous.
SSRI Antidepressants
The Food and Drug Administration has also approved certain antidepressant medications for the treatment of anxiety, including some SSRIs like paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRI antidepressants are prescribed for long-term anti-anxiety effects, as the drugs require several weeks of use before they begin working.
Considered safer medications than benzodiazepines, the SSRI side effects tend to be minor and include nausea, dry mouth, headache and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic Website. Some patients may become more anxious rather than less anxious. Many patients experience some weight gain.
Sexual side effects associated with SSRIs concern some patients and can present in the form of reduced sexual desire or difficulty achieving orgasm. For some patients, this side effect disappears with time, while others experience longer-lasting issues. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) may cause fewer sexual side effects than other SSRIs, according to Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin of the Mayo Clinic.
SNRI Antidepresssants
SNRI antidepressants include venlafaxine and duloxetine. Venlafaxine, marketed as Effexor, is approved for treatment of panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, according to the Wyeth Pharmaceutical Website. Duloxetine, whose trade name is Cymbalta, is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Side effects with these medications are generally mild and commonly include dry mouth, dizziness, nausea and sleepiness. Duloxetine is not recommended for patients with glaucoma or liver disease due to potentially dangerous complications.
As with the SSRIs, venlafaxine can impair sexual function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center Website, but both SNRIs may result in fewer sexual side effects.
References
- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals: About Effexor XR -- Depression and Anxiety Disorders
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anxiety Disorders -- Medications
- "Psychiatric Annals" journal; Toxicity and Adverse Consequences of Benzodiazepine Use; Dr. C. Heather Ashton; March 1995
- Mayo Clinic: Depression In Depth - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Mayo Clinic: Expert Answers -- Antidepressants: Which Cause the Fewest Sexual Side Effects?
