Many medications on the market are useful in treating anxiety disorders. The quicker-acting medications are benzodiazepines, but antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also effective in longer-term treatment of anxiety symptoms. The type of medication chosen for treatment of anxiety depends on the symptoms being presented, a history of abuse with medications or alcohol, and the prescribing physician's experience with success of others taking the medication for similar symptoms.
Quick-Acting Medications
The benzodiazepine category of medication is used for treating panic attacks, phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. This category of medication is considered safe and effective when used short term but can lead to drug dependence physically and psychologically when used longer than prescribed. Once taken, a benzodiazepine has quick action, leading to an anxiolytic or non-anxious effect, which is what makes this group of drugs popular for use at the onset of panic symptoms. Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).
Longer-Term Medications
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are newer antidepressants that also are useful in the treatment of anxiety. This class of medication is most effective for symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety and generalized anxiety. SSRIs are longer-acting medications that target the chemical serotonin in the brain to increase levels and balance them to what would be considered a normal range of the chemical in the body. Use of an SSRI to alleviate sudden panic attack is less effective than a benzodiazepine, but the consistent daily use of an SSRI is most effective in decreasing the frequency of a panic attack occurring. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) and Zoloft (sertraline).
Additional Medications
Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and beta-blockers are older classes of drugs used for longer-term treatment of anxiety. These classes are still in use but typically are prescribed in combination with other newer medications to treat the depression that can accompany obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety. These medications are not fast-acting and are most effective with consistent use over time. Commonly prescribed medications in these classes include Tenormin (atenolol), Elavil (amitriptyline), Pamelor (nortriptyline), Nardil (phenelzine) and Parnate (tranylcypromine).
