People with generalized anxiety disorder may experience constant, obsessive worry, insomnia, nausea, increased heart rate and numerous other symptoms that can turn even the most basic tasks into challenging ordeals. Chronic anxiety disrupts a person's career, social life and general sense of well-being. Some may turn to alcohol or illicit drugs to self medicate against the symptoms of anxiety disorder. The use of medication, as prescribed by a doctor, is a safer option.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers, and are the drugs most commonly prescribed for anxiety, according to an article by Melinda Smith, M.A., on Helpguide.org. Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are all benzodiazepines. These anti-anxiety drugs quickly induce feelings of calm and relaxation, and are an effective pharmaceutical response to panic attacks.
Unfortunately benzodiazepines have side effects. These include drowsiness, slurred speech and impaired thinking. This class of drugs lessens not just the unpleasant emotions associated with anxiety, but also any positive feelings of pleasure.
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and should only be used as a short-term solution to anxiety. Prolonged use can result in increased tolerance to the drug, so that the patient needs larger dosages to achieve the same effect. Benzodiazepines can eventually lose all effectiveness in a patient who has become completely tolerant.
Buspirone
Buspirone, known by its brand name, BuSpar, is an effective anti-anxiety drug, without the highly addictive aspect attributed to benzodiazepines. Drugs.com reports that patients do not develop a tolerance for BuSpar, and that this mildly tranquilizing drug causes neither the physical dependence, nor the drug-seeking behaviors associated with addiction.
One disadvantage of BuSpar compared to benzodiazepines is that it is slow acting, taking around 2 weeks to begin its anxiety reducing effects. However, BuSpar does not share the tendency of benzodiazepines to adversely impact memory and coordination. That, combined with its non-addictive qualities, makes it an attractive alternative to drugs such as Xanax and Valium.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are another alternative to traditional, more addictive anti-anxiety drugs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, are the antidepressants most commonly used in the treatment of anxiety. Like BuSpar, these drugs are slow to take effect. Up to 6 weeks may pass before anxiety relief occurs when taking antidepressants, thus this category of drug is more useful for chronic anxiety.
Though antidepressants are not considered addictive, there are sometimes adverse side effects associated with withdrawal. Another disadvantage is that in a minority of people, antidepressants may actually increase anxiety.
