Drugs to help suppress anxiety are usually prescribed along with psychotherapy. Patients receive medication for short-term or long-term treatment. Sometimes doctors need to change dosages or medications to find the right treatment for each patient. The patient should continue taking medication regularly, allowing drugs that suppress anxiety adequate time to work, the National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH, explains.
Serotonin Boosters
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, called SSRIs, help improve moods by altering brain chemistry. They prevent the brain from absorbing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects emotion. As a result, more serotonin helps to provide better feelings for patients, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Prescription drugs include italopram, sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine and escitalopram. SSRIs are among the latest class of antidepressant drugs and have fewer side effects than older drugs. They may cause insomnia, weight gain or sexual dysfunction, however. Readjusting the medication may relieve or prevent these side effects.
Adrenaline Drugs
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, called SNRIs, help increase levels of serotonin and the adrenal hormone norepinephrine by blocking the brain’s absorption of the neurotransmitters. Drugs include venlafaxine and duloxetine. Side effects, such as upset stomach, insomnia and sexual dysfunction, may occur but changes in medication or dosage may reduce the effects.
Tricyclics
Tricyclic antidepressants work for many anxiety disorders. Imipramine is often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Clomipramine works for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Other drugs that suppress anxiety include nortriptyline and amitriptyline. Dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain and dry mouth may occur, but switching tricyclics or changing dosage may eliminate side effects.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, include phenelzine, tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid, which reduce symptoms in panic disorder and social phobia. MAOIs, which belong to an older class of drugs, may produce serious side effects, including changes in blood pressure, confusion and seizures when combined with certain foods and medications, the NIMH says. Because the medications work for some people, patients need to take them carefully under a doctor’s supervision to avoid life-threatening situations.
Anti-anxiety Medication
Benzodiazepines work on a short-term basis for acute anxiety, according to MayoClinic.com. Medication includes alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, lorazepam, diazepam and clonazepam. The drugs can be habit-forming and may cause such side effects as drowsiness and balance or memory problems. Buspirone is a newer anti-anxiety drug prescribed over longer periods. The drugs may produce lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, nervousness and insomnia.
