Anxiety medications bring about significant relief for patients and may even rid them of anxiety problems. However, like most medication, drugs for anxiety treatment have side effects. Many of the symptoms disappear over time or can be reduced through adjustments to the medications. Patients can learn that side effects are normal and may be a temporary inconvenience while treating their anxiety.
Anti-Anxiety Drugs
Doctors prescribe anti-anxiety drugs called benzodiazepines, which act quicker than other medications at treating anxiety symptoms. Clonazepam works for patients with generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. Lorazepam helps patients with panic disorder. Alprazolam treats panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Common side effects from benzodiazepines may include drowsiness, fatigue, loss of coordination and confusion, according to Psychtreatment.com. However, benzodiazepines tend to be habit forming and pose the risk of addiction for long-term treatment. Doctors mainly prescribe these drugs for short-term treatment. Buspirone, another anti-anxiety medication for generalized anxiety disorder, works effectively over longer periods. Buspirone, however, may take two or more weeks to begin working on patients. Side effects may include headaches, dizziness, nervousness, nausea and insomnia.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants also help patients with anxiety problems. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, block the absorption of serotonin in the brain so it will help improve moods. SSRIs include fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline and paroxetine. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, such as venlafaxine, block absorption of serotonin and the adrenal hormone norepinephrine in the brain. Side effects include nausea and headaches, which usually go away in a few days, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Drowsiness may occur during the first few weeks. Agitation and nervousness may occur. Dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, blurred vision and drowsiness may occur with tricyclic antidepressants.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual problems with SSRIs and SNRIs, the newer antidepressants, and older tricyclic antidepressants bother some patients. Sexual dysfunction affects both men and women. It may result in a reduced sex drive and difficulty enjoying sex. Not all patients report sexual side effects.
Adjustment
Adjusting dosage or switching medication can deal with sexual side effects of antidepressants, according to MayoClinic.com. Bupropion, a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and mirtazapine, a tetracyclic antidepressant, are among antidepressants with the least sexual side effects. Doctors may prescribe these antidepressants or buspirone in addition to any current medication to ease sexual side effects. Patients may also consider using sexual enhancement medication along with anxiety medication.
Warning
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are in the oldest class of antidepressants but still work effectively for some patients. Phenelzine, tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid may help treat some anxiety disorders. However, combining MAOIs with certain foods or medication can result in serious side effects, according to the NIMH. Sharp increases in blood pressure resulting in stroke may occur. Doctors usually inform patients of the foods and medications to avoid. A MAOI skin patch may help reduce side effects.
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