There are a number of mental health conditions that fall under the umbrella of anxiety disorders, report doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). Generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress and panic disorders, phobias, obsessive compulsive and manic depressive disorders all can exhibit symptoms of anxiety. Drugs work well in treating anxiety because the disease is a biological condition that makes patients more vulnerable to stress and life in general. Genetics, environment and personality tendencies also add to the diagnosis, requiring doctors to find the right drugs to treat each patient.
SSRIs
Selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are usually the first line of treatment for anxiety disorders. Doctors often must experiment with a variety of medications alone or in combination with other drugs to find the right treatment for the various symptoms and biochemistry of each individual. Some common brand names for SSRI antidepressant drugs include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro. Common side effects of the drug that works to influence the levels of various neurotransmitters include nausea, agitation and diarrhea. Sexual dysfunction also is a common side effect and can cause impotence, reduce sex drive and inhibit orgasm. SSRIs have been known to increase mental illness, report doctors at UMM. Patients typically are given the lowest dose possible. Patients are watched closely for the first couple months for signs of suicidal thoughts or worsening symptoms. After taking the drug, patients often report withdrawal symptoms that include fatigue and anxiety and returning depression or anxiety.
SNRIs
Seratonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) work on two neurotransmitters. These drugs, like SSRIs, can cause sexual dysfunction, as well as high blood pressure and increased heart rate. SNRIs are not approved for use on children. Brand names approved as SNRIs include Cymbalta, Effexor and Remeron. The drugs are potent mood stabilizers, making them subject to abuse. Patients are monitored closely for overdose and overuse. Withdrawal symptoms from SNRIs can include nausea and dizziness.
Tricyclics
Tricyclic antidepressants are older forms of medications that typically are used only when SSRI or SNRI drugs are not effective. Serious side effects can result from taking tricyclic drugs, which are manufactured under brand names such as Tofranil, Pamelor and Norpramin. Mental disturbances, sexual disorders, sleep disruptions and weight gain are common side effects. Elderly patients and those who have had seizures must be monitored for glaucoma, urinary tract problems and cardiac arrest. Withdrawal symptoms from tricyclic drugs often are similar to the side effects patients experience while taking the medication and can include nausea, sleep disturbances and headaches.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines have long been the standard of care to treat anxiety disorders, but abuse and dependency on the drugs have encouraged doctors to rely more on SSRI combinations and talk therapy. Benzodiazepines may be given under the names of Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan. Chronic use leads to sleeping disorders and fatigue as well as irritability when the drugs lose their effectiveness. Benzodiazepines can be harmful when used in combination with alcohol. The dose must be increased over time to remain effective. Symptoms such as sweating, insomnia and nausea are signs of withdrawal from benzodiazepines and are more severe following use of higher dosages.
