Doctors prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs or a combination to treat patients with anxiety disorders. Newer drugs have been developed that produce fewer side effects than older medication. However, some patients may experience side effects that are still less serious than the symptoms of older medication. The side effects may go away in time after treatment begins or with changes in prescriptions. Drugs can take several weeks to begin working effectively. Patients work with their doctors to update or change their medication if necessary.
Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are among the newest antidepressants that produce fewer side effects than older drugs, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They help increase serotonin levels by preventing the absorption of the chemical by the brain. Serotonin contributes to emotional states. The process helps alter brain chemistry to improve moods. The drugs prescribed for social phobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline. Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI, increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels for patients. Norepinephrine is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. SSRIs and SNRIs may produce nausea and nervousness when first taken, but the symptoms usually fade. Some patients experience sexual dysfunction, which may be avoided by changing medication or readjusting dosage.
Tricyclics
Tricyclics include imipramine for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Clomipramine works for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Side effects, which include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness or weight gain, may be avoided by readjusting the medication or dosage, the NIMH says. Blurry vision, drop in blood pressure, constipation and urinary retention may also occur, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Tricyclics work effectively in treating anxiety and produce fewer side effects than older antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which need to be taken carefully under a doctor's supervision to avoid side effects that include changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm, confusion and seizures. Doctors usually prescribe tricyclics if reuptake inhibitors fail to improve anxiety conditions.
Buspirone
The anti-anxiety drug works better at long-term treatment than benzodiazepines, which have been found to be habit-forming for some patients and work for acute anxiety in short-term treatment. Buspirone is prescribed to prevent the side effects of benzodiazepines, which may include problems with balance and memory. Patients taking buspirone may experience lightheadedness in the beginning, but it fades with time. Headaches, nausea, nervousness and insomnia are less common side effects. As with many anxiety drugs, changing the dosage or medication may avoid these effects.
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