According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, symptoms of depression and anxiety often occur simultaneously in older adults. Although it is normal to feel anxious or sad in response to particular life events, long-term depression and anxiety are debilitating, and left untreated can cause illness and even shorten life. Because medications cannot cure symptoms of depression or anxiety, they are most effective when used for a limited time along with other forms of therapy, such as counseling by a mental health professional.
Beta-blockers
Social anxiety and phobias are often overlooked symptoms of discomfort that affect the older adult population. Anxiety disorders may include obsessive-compulsive behaviors, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorders and separation anxieties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although symptoms most often appear early in life, a trauma or sudden change in lifestyle can trigger similar symptoms in the elderly. Because beta-blockers slow the heart rate and enlarge blood vessels to improve blood flow, they are frequently prescribed to lower blood pressure. However, beta-blockers also temper the effects of epinephrine, or adrenaline, the natural hormone released by the body during anxious moments, and older adults who experience intermittent fears and feelings of anxiety may respond well to the drugs. Beta-blockers are contraindicated for long-term use, and because they can cause depression they are most effective when taken on an "as needed" basis along with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of tranquilizers most commonly prescribed for treatment of anxiety, insomnia and anxiety attacks. Because benzodiazepines are less likely to cause respiratory distress, health care professionals consider them a preferable alternative to barbiturates, such as Librium. Depression, dulling of emotions, and psychological dependence are known side effects of the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Benzodiazepines are also addictive, and when taken in combination with an antidepressant or alcohol, the risk of overdose is particularly great. Because older adults do not metabolize drugs in the same way as younger people, they are more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines, and as such, memory impairment, balance issues, confusion and a loss of inhibitions are possible symptoms that may compromise a senior's quality of life. Most symptoms of toxicity will dissipate upon withdrawal from the drug, according to The American Family Physician. Valium, Ativan and Xanax are common brand names of the benzodiazepine class of drugs.
Antidepressants
Although originally approved to treat symptoms of depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are equally effective in the treatment of chronic anxiety, according to HelpGuide.org. Because SSRIs are considered a safer alternative, they are frequently prescribed in lieu of the more addictive and dangerous anti-anxiety medications. Common side effects for all antidepressants include anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, fatigue and digestive distress. Dizziness, restlessness and tremors are additional side effects that are particularly worrisome for the elderly population, who are at an increased risk for falls and fractures when taking this type of medication. As of 2010, the FDA requires all antidepressants to carry a warning about possible dangerous side effects such as hostile behavior and suicidal thoughts.
