According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), an estimated 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) and specific phobias. Understanding the different medications available, and sorting out their various names, is a key first step in dealing with anxiety disorders.
Antidepressants
Although developed to treat depression, antidepressants have been found to help with some anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health website. A class of antidepressants known as "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" or SSRIs are well-regarded for their ability to treat anxiety by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain that send messages to brain cells. The NIMH website specifically lists the SSRIs fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa) for treating panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and social phobias. The antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor) and ibupropion (Wellbutrin) are prescribed to treat GAD. Another class of antidepressants known as tricyclic antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders, although they have greater side effects and are thus often the second choice of physicians. The tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (Tofranil) is prescribed for panic disorder and GAD, while clomipramine (Anafranil) is used to treat OCD. Both SSRIs and tricyclics are first prescribed at low doses and then increased over time until a therapeutic effect is reached.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for treating anxiety, according to NIMH, because they can bring relief of anxiety-related symptoms within the hour. The names of the most common benzodiazepines include clonazepam (Klonopin) for social phobia and GAD, lorazepam (Ativan) for panic disorder and alprazolam (Xanax) for panic disorder and GAD. Benzodiazepines have many side effects, which are even more pronounced when prescribed at higher doses. They include feeling sleepy, foggy and clumsy, which can cause severe challenges to every day functioning.
Beta Blockers
Beta-blockers are prescribed to help manage some of the physical symptoms related to anxiety disorders like trembling and/or sweating. The most common beta blocker used to treat anxiety symptoms is propranolol (Inderal), which was originally designed to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. Although fatigue, cold hands and dizziness are common side effects, taking the medication for a short period of time can keep the above-mentioned anxiety-related symptoms at bay when necessary. The NIMH website states that beta-blockers are not well suited for those with asthma or diabetes because they can exacerbate symptoms.
