Medication intervention is a common form of treatment for anxiety-related disorders. Depending on the type of anxiety experienced, fast-acting medications are useful to alleviate sudden symptoms and long-term medications are useful in preventing sudden onset of anxiety symptoms. Chronic symptoms of anxiety are characteristic of generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sudden symptoms often occur in people experiencing panic attacks and phobias. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, the classification of medication used to treat anxiety is based on duration of symptoms, type of anxiety and history of other medical conditions.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a classification of medication used to relieve anxiety symptoms by blocking serotonin, a chemical in the brain contributing to fear response, from being reabsorbed in the brain. Preventing the reabsorption of serotonin allows for the chemical to distribute evenly for performing its other functions of regulating excitatory arousal and mood. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America notes that SSRIs are effective for treating all types of anxiety disorders, however, higher dosage for certain disorders is required to reach desired therapeutic levels.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are another class of medications primarily used in the treatment of depression, but found effective for use in some anxiety disorders. SNRIs differ from SSRIs in the mechanism of action or the chemicals targeted in the brain. SNRIs not only block the reabsorption of serotonin, but also of norepinephrine, a chemical similar to adrenaline that regulates stress. Norepinephrine also induces the biological response to anxiety, which causes increased heart rate and blood pressure. According to Insight Journal, SNRIs effectively treat panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Benzodiazepines
The short-term symptoms associated with panic attacks and specific phobias are temporarily alleviated by the classification of medications known as the benzodiazepines. This class of drugs is highly effective in reducing the physical symptoms such as tension, hyperventilation and increased pulse rate. The benzodiazepines also induce a sedative or calming state, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that chronic use of this form of medication may become habit-forming. Benzodiazepines are intended for use on an as needed basis, and due to the addicting potential, careful monitoring of use with this medication is suggested.
