Various medications are used to treat anxiety. Although medication will not cure the anxiety, it can suppress the physical and emotional symptoms that develop. Successful treatment of an anxiety disorder includes various medications along with ongoing psychotherapy.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, make up a class of antidepressants that alter the levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain. SSRIs block the receptors that normally remove serotonin, causing serotonin to accumulate. Serotonin is associated with an elevation in mood, so increased amounts of the neurotransmitter in the brain lead to an increase in positive feelings. Side effects of SSRIs include nausea, jitters and sexual dysfunction.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, work similarly to SSRIs but instead of blocking the absorption of only serotonin, they also block the absorption of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which also plays a role in boosting mood. When serotonin and norepinephrine both accumulate in the brain, the boost in mood is even more apparent. Side effects of SNRIs include nausea, trouble sleeping, constipation, sweating, dry mouth, headache and blurred vision, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tricyclics
Tricyclics make up a class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the absorption of three neurotransmitters--serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Tricyclics work in a similar matter to SSRIs and SNRIs. The medication is started at low doses and gradually increased as the body acclimates. Side effects of tricyclics include dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness and weight gain.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines make up a class of anti-anxiety medication that causes relaxation and calmness in the body. They work by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter, gamma-amino butyric acid, or GABA. This slows or stops neural impulses, which can be the cause of the tense feelings associated with anxiety. By increasing the activity of GABA with benzodiazepines, most neural impulses will be stopped and, as a result, anxious feelings will be stopped as well, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research. Side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, tremors, impaired motor function and impaired thinking.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers make up a class of medication that is normally used to treat heart conditions. They work by blocking beta receptors that absorb adrenaline, thus blocking nerve impulses that travel through the heart, according to the Texas Heart Institute. Beta blockers are used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heartbeat, increased blood pressure and nervousness. Side effects of beta blockers include dizziness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and dry mouth and eyes.
