According to Dr. Reid Wilson of HealthyPlace.com, medications used for the treatment of anxiety help motivate you and quicken the progression toward facing the panic an anxiety disorder causes. Dr. Wilson states that for the medication to work, it needs to assist you in relieving either the negative thoughts panic causes or relieve the symptoms of the anxiety attack itself. A number of medications are available for those who suffer from this condition, some of which are more effective than others. The efficacy of the medication depends on the symptoms you suffer from and their severity.
Benzodiazepines
This family of medications is the primary treatment option for those suffering from panic attacks and anxiety. They can be taken for several months or even years and work by blocking the chemicals responsible for the onset of anxiety. According to Dr. Wilson, these drugs are 70- to 80-percent effective in treating the symptoms of anxiety attacks and often begin working within 1 to 2 weeks.
The most common benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety are Klonopin and and Xanax. The dosage varies according to each patient and the severity of his condition. Common side effects include lethargy, decrease in coordination and slurred speech. These are because of the sedative effect these medications have on the central nervous system. Though benzodiazepines have fewer side effects than antidepressants, there is also a risk of withdrawal symptoms when the medication is no longer needed.
Antidepressants
According to Dr. Wilson, these medications are used to treat those who have a combined diagnosis of depression and anxiety attacks. Taken once a day, they are effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety while elevating your mood. These medications typically take 4 to 12 weeks to take effect, but there is no dependency associated with them. Some of the most common antidepressants prescribed include Tofranil, Pamelor and Norpramin.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
According to Dr. Wilson, there is an association between low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin and anxiety attacks. SSRIs help in relieving the symptoms of anxiety by supplying the brain with the amount of serotonin needed. Neither dependency nor withdrawal symptoms are associated with these medications, and in certain cases, they are used in combination with benzodiazepines. Common SSRIs prescribed include Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are prescribed by physicians to help treat both the physical symptoms of anxiety, namely social anxiety. These help control rapid heart rates, trembling and shaking and can last for several hours. Though these have few side effects and are not considered habit-forming, they may not be strong enough to completely relieve the symptoms caused by social anxiety. The most commonly prescribed beta blockers include Inderal and Tenormin.
