Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects about 6.8 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). A patient with GAD cannot control her level of anxiety, has problems relaxing and concentrating and has muscle twitching and difficulty sleeping. Medication can help the patient control the severity and frequency of her symptoms.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants work by increasing neurotransmitter levels, thus improving the patient's mood. The Mayo Clinic states that three types of antidepressants are used to treat GAD: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. SSRIs prevent the neurotransmitter serotonin from recycling after it reaches the synapse, resulting in more available to the brain; examples include fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram and sertraline. SNRIs are also reuptake inhibitors, but they target both serotonin and norepinephrine; venlafaxine is an example. Tricyclic antidepressants mainly target serotonin and norepinephrine; imipramine is a type of tricyclic antidepressant used for GAD. However, tricyclic antidepressants have more side effects that SSRIs and SNRIs. Antidepressants take a few weeks to start treating GAD symptoms.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting, anti-anxiety medications that act on the GABA receptor in the brain. Examples of benzodiazepines used for GAD include clonazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide. Benzodiazepines are used on a short-term basis, because they can be addictive. As a precaution, benzodiazepines are not prescribed to a GAD patient who has a history with alcohol or drug abuse.
Azapirones
Azapirones, such as buspirone, increase serotonin levels in the brain. Like antidepressants, azapirones can be used on a long-term basis for GAD treatment, though they also take a few weeks to start improving symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Antihistamines
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America notes that antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, are another medication option for GAD. As their name implies, antihistamines block histamines in the brain, resulting in a calming effect that can help with anxiety symptoms.
