A variety of different medications are available to help those suffering from the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that approximately 40 million American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder in any given year. Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, specific phobias (e.g., claustrophobia) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are all classified as anxiety disorders by the American Psychiatric Association. Usually both medications and counseling are combined in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety, or anxiolytic, medications (also referred to as tranquilizers) are usually prescribed over a brief period in treatment. This is the most commonly prescribed type of medication for anxiety symptoms. Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Buspar (buspirone) are examples of this class of medications.
Beta-Blocker Medications
Beta-blocker medications are another class of anxiety medications that target the body's physical response to anxiety. Inderal (propranolol) and Tenormin (atenolol) are both beta-blocker medications used to treat anxiety symptoms.
Antidepressant Medications
There are three types of antidepressant medications commonly prescribed for anxiety symptoms: SSRIs, tricyclics and MAOIs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed for OCD and panic disorder symtpoms; Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) are examples of SSRIs. Tofranil (imipramine) and Anafranil (clomipramine) are examples of tricyclic medications. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) include Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine) and Marplan (isocarboxazid).
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed."; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorder Information
