Anxiety medications include antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Patients may take different medications over a period of weeks or months before finding the correct drug or dosage for them. Sometimes doctors prescribe a combination of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication, depending on the patient's condition. It may take several weeks for medications to reach their full effect.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, called SSRIs, work by blocking the brain’s absorption of serotonin, which regulates emotions. This leaves more of the chemical available to help improve the moods of patients, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Doctors may prescribe fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram or paroxetine. The drugs work effectively for all anxiety disorders, but patients with obsessive-compulsive disorders may require high doses of the medication.
SNRIs
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are closely related to SSRIs. They help block the brain’s absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, an adrenal hormone, to increase the levels of these chemicals. The drugs treat patients with generalized anxiety disorder. SNRI drugs include duloxetine and venlafaxine and, along with SSRIs, are among the latest class of anxiety drugs that have fewer side effects than older drugs. Readjusting or changing medication, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, may reduce side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs, such as nausea, nervousness and sexual dysfunction.
Tricyclics
Tricyclic antidepressants include imipramine for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Clomipramine works for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness and weight gain. Readjustments to the drugs may avoid side effects.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, include phenelzine and tranylcypromine for panic disorder and social anxiety. They have serious side effects that may include changes in blood pressure when taken with certain foods and medications. When taken with other antidepressants they may cause confusion and seizures. Doctors prescribe them if other medications do not work and patients take them carefully, the NIMH says.
Buspirone
Doctors prescribe buspirone, an anti-anxiety drug, for long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, the Mayo Clinic says. The drug may cause lightheadedness that disappears with usage. Headaches, nausea and insomnia may also occur.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines may work effectively for short-term treatment of acute anxiety. The anti-anxiety medication may be habit-forming for some patients so it is used on a limited basis. The drugs include diazepam, lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide and alprazolam. Because of addictive possibilities, many doctors prefer buspirone for ongoing treatment of anxiety.
