According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders include obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and social phobia. Antidepressants are prescription medications that can treat not only depression but also anxiety disorders. When doctors prescribe antidepressants for anxiety disorders, they usually start with a very low dose and then increase the dose over time.
Fluoxetine
According to the Mayo Clinic, fluoxetine is an oral prescription medication that treats OCD and panic disorder. The National Mental Health Information Center says that people with panic disorder experience an unpredictable feeling of going out of control. They also feel dizziness, nausea and chest pains among other unpleasant sensations. The main characteristic of OCD is an unreasonable fear that leads to repetitive behavior says the Mayo Clinic. Fluoxetine belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is important for mental health. Fluoxetine works by increasing the level and activity of serotonin in the brain according to the Mayo Clinic.
Imipramine
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that can also treat panic disorder and GAD. People with GAD suffer from unwarranted worries that interfere with daily activities, says the National Mental Health Information Center. A doctor will diagnose GAD when a patient reports having spent around six months in a state of exaggerated worry over everyday matters.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that also treats panic disorder, says the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic further states that for panic disorder, the initial adult dose is 37.5 milligrams per day once a day for seven days. The patient may need a higher dose, but the upper limit is 225 milligrams per day. The most common side effects of venlafaxine are blurred vision, headache and high blood pressure. The National Institute of Mental Health states that venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drug. Serotonin and norepinephrin are neurotransmitters that influence mood and behavior because they promote proper transmission of nerve impulses. According to the Mayo Clinic SNRIs improve mood and behavior because they increase brain levels of both neurotransmitters by preventing brain cells from reabsorbing them.
