According to Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., psychologist and managing editor of HelpGuide.org, the medications prescribed for anxiety do not treat the underlying cause of the disorder, only its symptoms. They can become addictive and are known to have many dangerous side effects. The most commonly prescribed drugs fall into three categories: benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta-blockers. However these drugs typically provide temporary relief; once you stop taking them, the symptoms will return.
Benzodiazepines
According to Dr. Segal, the drugs in this category, also known as tranquilizers, are extremely popular in the treatment of anxiety due to their relaxing and calming effect. They work by slowing down your brain activity, generally taking effect within one hour. This makes them an effective drug for those who suffer from panic attacks. Drugs in this class include Klonopin, Valium, Xanax and Ativan.
The side effects of benzodiazepines can outweigh their benefits in the long run. The severity of the side effects depends on the dose; the higher the dose, the more pronounced the effects. Due to how these drugs work, patients who take them can feel sleepy or uncoordinated even on lower doses. This can impact their ability to drive or interfere with school or work. Other common side effects include slurred speech, slow reflexes, confusion, memory loss and nausea.
Your body also metabolizes (burns off), these medications slowly. This results in a buildup of medication in your system. Overtime this leads to over-sedation.
Antidepressants
Medications used to treat depression have been found to be an effective treatment for anxiety disorder as well. These fall into classes such as tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Prescribing these have both pros and cons; the antidepressants used have a reduced risk for dependency and abuse than benzodiazepines. However, they are not fast-acting, often taking four to six weeks before symptom relief is provided.
According to Dr. Segal, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants are SSRIs. These include the drugs Prozac, Celexa, Paxil and Zoloft. Common side effects associated with these medications include stomach upset, weight gain, headaches, sleepiness, sexual dysfunction and nervousness. Also, if you stop taking your medication suddenly rather than gradually, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and insomnia.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are typically prescribed for those suffering from high blood pressure and heart problems. Because of this, they help with with the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating, dizziness and rapid heart rate, rather than the emotional symptoms such as fear or worry. For this reason, beta-blockers work better for those who suffer from social phobias.
The most commonly prescribed medications in this class include Inderal and Tenormin. The side effects which accompany them include sleepiness, slow pulse, light-headedness and nausea.
