Anxiety is a type of mental health disorder involving excessive worry, panic and fear. Atenolol---a medication used to regulate blood pressure---is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat anxiety, though it can cause serious side effects like worsening of asthma and irregular heartbeat. Awareness about the many options for treating anxiety can help atenolol users find the most suitable treatment.
Types
A variety of medications and supplements can be used to treat anxiety disorders. While barbiturates were once the preferred treatment for anxiety, benzodiazepines are the first-line treatment today. Atypical anxiolytics like buspirone (BuSpar) are sometimes prescribed as well.
The herbal supplements valerian root and kava have been used traditionally to treat anxiety, though more research is needed before they can be safely recommended for this purpose.
Pharmacological Effects
Both benzodiazepines and barbiturates work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. GABA---or gamma-amino butyric acid---is responsible for regulating muscle tone, sleep patterns and states of mental calmness. These medications cause relaxation of the muscles and slowing of mental processes, resulting in reduced anxiety.
Kava and valerian also affect GABA to produce states of relaxation. The medicine buspirone works in a different fashion altogether by attaching to serotonin receptors in the brain.
Side Effects
All supplements and medications can cause side effects. While somewhat less dangerous than the side effects of atenolol, side effects of benzodiazepines include sedation, dizziness and memory impairment. Barbiturates have a similar side effect profile, but are more likely to cause overdose than benzodiazepines. Both can cause addiction and potentially fatal withdrawal upon cessation.
Because they increase GABA levels, kava and valerian may also cause drowsiness, nausea and dizziness. There is some concern that kava can cause liver damage in healthy individuals. According to Science Daily, kava damages liver tissue by narrowing blood vessels and causing cellular lining retraction, thereby impairing liver functioning. While it is not known what other factors may play a role in these changes, consumers should be aware of the possibility for liver damage while taking kava.
Adjunctive Therapies
In addition to medications and supplements, various forms of psychological therapy can be incorporated into an anxiety treatment program for optimal results.
According to the University of Houston, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for reducing anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves identifying thoughts and feelings that accompany anxiety attacks, challenging those thoughts and replacing them with more rational thoughts and emotions. Other therapies that may provide relief include meditation, positive affirmation and visualization.
Considerations
The decision to change medications can only be made by doctor and patient. In some cases, atenolol may be the safest and most effective treatment for anxiety. If you experience persistent or severe side effects from your anxiety medication, talk to your doctor about reducing the dose or switching to a new medicine.
