Anti-depression and anti-anxiety drugs often work to help a patient over time. Some of these medications offer delayed-release formulations to help control the amount of medication in the human body. As with all medications, these have potential side effects.
Prozac
Prozac was the first of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors released for use in the United States. It came in the market in 1987. Along with the traditional capsule, there also is a delayed-release capsule version of the medication. Fluoxetine, Prozac's generic, is also sold as Sarafem, Rapiflux, Selfemra and Prozac Weekly, according to the Mayo Clinic, and may produce such side effects as excessive hunger or thirst, mood changes, confusion, diarrhea, restlessness, lethargy, agitation, bleeding gums, blurry vision and constipation.
Effexor XR
Venlafaxine hydrochloride, which is marketed under the brand name Effexor XR is a time-release capsule prescribed for anxiety disorders. Side effects may include out-of-control actions, anxiety, night sweats, nausea, depersonalization, convulsions, vomiting, irritability, depression, paranoia, emotional overreaction, euphoria and fear.
Paxil
Paroxetine, sold as Paxil, Pexeva and Paxil CR, is used to combat depression as well as anxiety disorders including social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is available as a time-release pill, as Paxil-CR, or in regular pill form. Paraxetine's side effects may include yawning, loss of weight, sneezing, memory loss, lack of emotion, sexual pain, vaginal discharges, confusion, feeling that nothing is real, rapid heartbeat, congestion, body pain and insomnia.
Xanax XR
Alprazolam, which is marketed under the Xanax XR name, is a time-released pill. It is a benzodiazepine that may be prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorder. Side effects of alprazolam may include red eyes, ulcers in the mouth, indigestion, night vision problems, nausea, cramps, double vision, weight increase or loss, decreased libido, restlessness, nightmares, talking in one's sleep and pain in the chest or ears, among others.
Valium
Diazepam, sold as Valium or Diazepam Intensol, may be prescribed by a doctor for anxiety. It is available as an extended-release capsule. The drug may produce such side effects as a drop in libido, double vision, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting blood, slurred speech, seizures, skin paleness, headaches, irritability, nausea and mood changes.
