Typically, anxiety is a normal feeling that can present itself during times of high stress. However, anxiety can turn into a disease called generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms of this disorder include fatigue, restlessness, irritability, shortness of breath and trouble sleeping, says the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, irritability and constant worrying. Fortunately, common anxiety medications exist to manage these symptoms.
Escitalopram
Escitalopram, commonly sold as Lexapro, is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin inhibitors. It works to treat generalized anxiety disorder and depression.
According to MedlinePlus, escitalopram's common effects include sneezing, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, increased sweating and drowsiness. Other side effects of escitalopram include extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, a change in sex drive, dry mouth and a runny nose. Call a doctor immediately when escitalopram's common effects last for more than five days.
Escitalopram's serious effects include confusion, a fast or irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and abnormal excitement. Talk to a doctor immediately when escitalopram causes any of these effects.
A change in escitalopram's dose may be needed when taking warfarin, antihistamines, lithium, linezolid, metoprolol or sedatives. Escitalopram is a tablet or liquid taken daily.
Buspirone
Buspirone, commonly sold as BuSpar is an anti-anxiety medication that is used to decrease such symptoms as tension, dizziness, irritability, fear and a pounding heartbeat.
Drugs.com says that buspirone common effects include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, nausea and stomach problems. Other effects include blurry vision, restlessness and trouble sleeping. Talk to a physician when buspirone's effects remain for greater than one week.
Buspirone's serious effects include fainting, lightheadedness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, a lack of coordination or balance and depression. Notify a physician immediately when buspirone causes these effects. A change in buspirone's dose may be needed when suffering from kidney or liver disease. Buspirone is a tablet that should be taken as indicated.
Alprazolam
Alprazolam, typically sold as Xanax, is also used to treat anxiety. Drugs.com says that alprazolam's common effects include trouble sleeping, blurry vision, nausea, a dry mouth, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness. Alprazolam can also lead to muscle weakness, a lack of coordination, dizziness and irritability. Call a physician when these effects last for more than five days.
Alprazolam's serious effects include fainting, depression, hallucinations, agitation, muscle twitching and tremors. Other side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), hyperactivity and suicide. Phone a doctor immediately when alprazolam leads to these effects. An alteration in alprazolam's dose may be needed when suffering with glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, asthma, emphysema, depression or alcohol addiction. Alprazolam is a tablet that must be taken as prescribed.
