Anxiety disorders can range from severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder to milder versions of social phobia or generalized anxiety disorder. When symptoms of anxiety begin to interfere with everyday activities, patients should seek treatment, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Treatment for anxiety typically consists of a list of anti-anxiety medicines combined with psychotherapy and other techniques that could include relaxation, yoga or exercise.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants work on the neurotransmitters in the brain to control moods and stress tolerances in people with anxiety disorders. Commonly prescribed antidepressants include Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. Relief from using antidepressants can take up to 2 to 6 weeks, often requiring more extensive counseling until the drugs start to take effect. Side effects include nausea, weight gain and reduced libido. Treating physicians may experiment with various medications to find the right drug for individuals with the least amount of side effects. Doctors at Johns Hopkins report that patients on antidepressants are at a higher risk for suicide because they start feeling better and can gather up the motivation to go through with their suicidal intentions. Withdrawal from antidepressants can include increased anxiety and tension and should be supervised.
Buspirone
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that also can take a couple of weeks to start working. Side effects can include those common in other antidepressants and also can cause headaches and increased nervousness, digestive disorders, dry mouth and fatigue. Sleep disorders also are common for patients taking buspirone. Doctors at the National Institutes of Health recommend that patients take buspirone as directed and not skip doses, which can be as often as three or four times a day. Patients taking buspirone must be weaned off the medication and should not stop taking the drug without a doctor's supervision because of possible withdrawal effects, such as nausea, dizziness and depression.
Benzodiazapine
Benzodiazapines are sedatives that typically are prescribed for short-term relief of severe symptoms of anxiety. Common brands that include benzodiazapine are Librium, Valium and Xanax. Benzodiazapines are highly addictive both physically and psychologically, which is one reason their use is limited, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Doctors at Johns Hopkins report that within 1 month, more than one-third of the patients taking the addictive anti-anxiety medicines will become addicted. Possible side effects of benzodiazapine include lack of muscle coordination and disrupted balance, drowsiness and memory loss. Physical withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include agitation, appetite loss and muscle aches. Psychological withdrawal symptoms usually are characterized by a persistent craving for the drug.
