Severe anxiety generally comes in the form of an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder and phobias. There are a number of different medications used in the treatment of severe anxiety, but the effectiveness of a medication will depend on the characteristics of the individual who needs them. A physician will use trial and error to choose the best drugs for a person's severe anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines reduce a person’s anxiety symptoms by slowing down the central nervous system, which produces a calming effect. Benzodiazepines are considered one of the best drugs for severe anxiety as they begin reducing symptoms quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour, notes HelpGuide.org. Benzodiazepines are effective for short-term relief of anxiety and may be used while other anxiety-reducing medications are taking effect.
Despite their ability to effectively reduce anxiety, benzodiazepines are addictive and can cause problems with memory, balance, muscle coordination and drowsiness, reports MayoClinic.com. Benzodiazepines cannot be used to treat anxiety in people with substance abuse problems due to their addictive nature.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are one of the major classes of medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, reports the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, ADAA. SSRIs work by keeping the brain from reabsorbing serotonin; therefore there is more serotonin in the brain to improve and stabilize a person’s mood.
Side effects of SSRIs include insomnia or fatigue, sexual dysfunction and weight gain, notes the ADAA. The risk for dependency with SSRIs is less than benzodiazepines, but they generally do not begin reducing anxiety until they are taken for four to six consecutive weeks.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a new form of anti-anxiety medication that is marketed under the trade name BuSpar, notes HelpGuide.org. This drug reduces levels of anxiety by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It also decreases dopamine levels in the brain.
Buspirone takes several weeks to demonstrate its effects, but is considered one of the best drugs for severe anxiety as it has fewer negative side effects. It also carries a low risk of dependency. This drug is most effective with generalized anxiety disorder and can be beneficial for people with a history of substance abuse, according to HelpGuide.org.
