About 40 million adults age 18 and older have an anxiety disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia are various types of anxiety disorders. The best medicine for each patient depends on the type and severity of anxiety disorder, medical history and response to treatment.
Identification
The signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders are excessive and irrational fear that can last six months or longer, and can get worse if not treated. Each type of anxiety disorder has unique symptoms that affect the type of medication to be prescribed. People with anxiety disorders often have symptoms from depression and/or substance abuse that can hide or exacerbate symptoms of anxiety.
Diagnosis
Psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, also known as the DSM-IV, to diagnose anxiety disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the diagnosis of a particular anxiety disorder is determined by observing and investigating the course and duration of signs and symptoms, and assessing the degree of impairment. Since people with anxiety disorders often have co-morbidities with depression and/or substance abuse, the type of medication prescribed and potential outcome are dependent on a proper diagnosis.
Types
Benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta-blockers are standard types of medications that treat anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Benzodiazepines quickly start to work. Clonazepam can treat generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. Alprazolam is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Lorazepam is used to treat panic disorder.
Antidepressants, such as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, also known as SNRIs, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine and bupropion, are frequently used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs such as fluoxetine, sertaline, citalopram, proxetine and escitalopram are commonly prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia.
Beta-blockers, such as propanalol, are prescribed to treat patients with heart disease and high blood pressure who have anxiety and suffer from symptoms of sweating and trembling.
Side Effects
Side effects from medication can differ by patient and influence the best type to prescribe. Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and upset stomach are common side effects from benzodiazepines. Headaches, nausea and drowsiness can occur during the first few days or week, and reduced libido and problems enjoying sex among women and men can result throughout the duration of taking SNRIs and SSRIs. Dizziness, fatigue and cold hands are common side effects from beta-blockers.
Considerations
Research conducted by E. Tanaka and published in 1999 in the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics" cautions against the use of benzodiazepines combined with SSRIs or antibiotics. Benzodiazepines taken with alcohol increases the risks for accidents, according to research conducted by Kurzthaler and published in 2005 in "Human Psychopharmacology." Read the FDA-approved label for more information about the medication indications and usage, dosage and administration, dosage forms and strengths, contraindications, warnings and precautions, adverse reactions, drug interactions and use in specific populations.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Health: A Report by the Surgeon General
- National Institute of Mental Health: What Medications Are Used to Treat Anxiety Disorders?
- "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy Therapeutics"; Drug Interaction Benzodiazepine; Tanaka, E.; 1999
- "Human Psychopharmacology"; Alcohol and/or Benzodiazepine Use: Different Accidents; Kurzthaler; December 2005
