Everyone experiences some form of anxiety at some point in his life; his first date, waiting for news on a promotion, even his wedding day. But according to Jeanne Segal, psychologist and managing editor of HelpGuide.org, anxiety becomes a problem when you begin to feel overwhelmed regularly or it interferes with your normal daily activities and relationships. There are a variety of medications used to treat anxiety disorders, the most common belonging to either the benzodiazepine or SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) drug family. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you.
Xanax
Xanax is part of the benzodiazepine drug family, and works by acting on the central nervous system to help calm you when symptoms of anxiety arise due to panic disorder. It is usually taken once a day, in the morning, though the dose may be adjusted at the discretion of your doctor. If used for an extended period of time, or taken in larger doses than prescribed, there is a risk of dependency. Stopping the use of this medication suddenly rather than gradually can result in withdrawal symptoms, some as severe as seizures.
Klonopin
Though used to treat seizure disorders, Klonopin is also used to treat anxiety due to panic disorders. This, just as Xanax, is part of the benzodiazepine family. Dosage is based on your condition, though is typically taken two to three times a day. You can become addicted if you take more than the prescribed dose, use it longer than recommended or take it more frequently through the day than suggested. To receive the maximum benefit from this drug, take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly; this can make your condition worse and exacerbate symptoms. In addition, when used for long periods of time Klonopin may become less effective, resulting in a need for an adjustment in your dose.
Zoloft
Belonging to the drug family known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), Zoloft (also known as Sertraline) is prescribed for panic attacks and social anxiety disorder. Available in both tablet and liquid suspension form, it is also used in the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. By restoring natural balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, it has the ability to decrease your fear in public, unwanted thoughts, anxiety and the number of panic attacks you suffer from. The liquid suspension form has to be mixed with another liquid before consuming. It can be mixed with water, orange juice, lemonade, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. These are the only liquids you can mix it with. It is typically taken once a day, and may cause you to become drowsy or alert. The time of day you take it depends on the medication's affect on you.
Prozac
Prozac, generically known as fluoxetine, is also an SSRI, and is primarily used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Available in both tablet and liquid form, it may help control unwanted or disturbing thoughts, decrease anxiety and unrealistic fears while decreasing the number of panic attacks you experience. In many cases Prozac is taken once a day, either morning or evening, depending on whether the medication causes drowsiness or alertness. If prescribed for twice daily use, your doctor may recommend taking it in the morning and afternoon. To receive maximum benefits, take at the same time each day, on a regular basis. Stopping suddenly can result in a worsening of symptoms; it should be taken even if symptoms have disappeared.
