Several categories of drugs are used as anxiety medications depending on the type of anxiety, its severity and duration. Generalized anxiety, which tends to be pervasive and long-lasting, is treated differently than most phobias, which are situational and may require treatment only under conditions that exacerbate the phobia. A drug that works well for one type of anxiety may not be appropriate for another.
Benzodiazepines
Drugs in this class are sedatives and not intended for long-term use.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), side effects include:
• sleepiness
• ataxia (unsteadiness, which may lead to loss of balance and falls)
• fatigue
• muscle weakness
• headache
• dizziness
• confusion
• memory loss
• depression
• nausea, upset stomach
• constipation
• double or blurred vision
• decrease in sex drive
• urinary problems.
• drooling or dry mouth.
Paradoxical reactions: some (about 5 percent) patients may experience the opposite of the drug's usual sedating actions, including:
• agitation
• aggression
• hallucination
• violent behavior
• psychosis
• nightmares
• insomnia
• amnesia
• inappropriate behavior.
In epileptic patients, use of the drug may precipitate grad mal seizures. Use of the drug may affect liver and kidneys; lab tests may be required in long-term use.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants come in several drug classes: SSRIs, (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are the latest generation of antidepressants; tricyclics are older drugs. All are used to treat anxiety.
SSRIs and SNRIs
Side Effects (Often disappear after a few days or weeks on the medication), according to the FDA
• headache
• night sweats
• nausea
• sleeplessness or drowsiness
• agitation
• sexual problems
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Side effects
• drowsiness
• constipation
• bladder problems
• dry mouth
• sexual problems
• blurry vision
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
MAOIs are an older class of drugs that affect neurotransmitters in the brain and are used less frequently because of their side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following side effects:
• constipation
• nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach
• dry mouth
• dizziness, lightheadedness
• disturbed sleep
• twitching muscles
• blurry vision
• headache
• drowsiness, fatigue
• increased appetite, weight gain
• restlessness
• trembling, shakiness
• weakness
• sweating
• low blood pressure
• decreased urinary output
• impaired sexual function
Some foods and medications interact with MAOIs, creating high blood pressure that can be dangerous.
Beta-Blockers
According to Britain's National Health Service (NHS), beta-blockers help with physical manifestations of anxiety, like sweating and heartbeat changes.
Side effects
• cold hands
• fatigue and weakness
• vertigo (dizziness)
Antihistamines
According to the NHS, "Antihistamines work by having a calming effect on the brain, helping you to feel less anxious."
Side effects
• drowsiness
• sleepiness
• dry mouth, nose and throat
• increased heart rate; heart palpitations
• weakness
• low blood pressure
• decreased gastrointestinal activity
• problems with concentration
• frequent urination
Buspirone
This anti-anxiety drug can be take over the long term, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Side effects include:
• headaches
• nausea
• excitability
• insomnia
• dizziness
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