Obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and generalized anxiety all describe different forms of disrupting anxiety conditions. Common treatment for any anxiety disorder includes medication intervention. Fast-acting medicine for sudden panic attacks or progressive medications for generalized anxiety are useful depending on the symptoms experienced. People requiring long-term medications tend to have chronic symptoms, and MayoClinic.com indicates this is often due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants are most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders.
Lorazepam
Lorazepam is in the benzodiazepine class of medication. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America notes that this drug is used for short-term relief of sudden panic. Lorazepam acts on the central nervous system, enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter referred to as GABA, which produces a sedative and calming effect on the body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that this medication has a high potential for psychological and physical addiction and should only be used for short periods lasting less than four weeks. If needed for longer, physician re-evaluation is recommended.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a derivative of benzodiazepine medication but does not have a sedating effect and is found to be useful in the longer-term treatment of anxiety. Buspirone stimulates a brain chemical called serotonin, which is found to impact anxiety and arousal. MayoClinic.com notes that this medication may require several weeks prior to becoming fully effective in anxiety management. Buspirone is nonhabit forming and has been found useful in treating generalized anxiety disorder and symptoms associated with obsessive compulsive disorder.
Escitalopram
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are effective as combination treatment for chronic anxiety symptoms. Escitalopram is primarily used for depression, however, its action on the chemical serotonin in the brain also makes this medication useful to decrease the arousal symptoms in obsessive compulsive disorder. The International OCD Foundation notes that escitalopram in higher doses is generally effective when taken regularly.
Additional Considerations
Drugs in the class called beta-blockers, primarily used for decreasing blood pressure, may also offer relief from certain anxiety symptoms. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America notes that social anxiety disorder, which is an intense fear of negative evaluation by others, may be effectively treated with beta-blockers. Beta-blocker drugs such as propranolol, are used to block the hormone epinephrine also known as adrenaline, which is prominent in performance anxiety.
