Medications for anxiety: Details, categories, and potential complications
In the treatment of anxiety disorders, four main classes of drugs are commonly used: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Benzodiazepines, and Beta Blockers.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), and Fluoxetine (Prozac), work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These are considered first-line treatments for many anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, although they may cause sexual or GI side effects.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), like Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta), work similarly to SSRIs, increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are also first-line treatments, particularly for GAD, and are also used for depression.
Benzodiazepines, such as Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and Alprazolam (Xanax), enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, producing a calming effect on the brain. These are fast-acting and effective for acute anxiety or crisis situations. However, they are typically prescribed for short-term use because they are habit-forming and carry a risk of dependence. Examples of Benzodiazepines include alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and lorazepam.
Beta Blockers, such as Propranolol and Atenolol, are unique in that they target physical symptoms rather than psychological symptoms of anxiety. They block the physical symptoms of anxiety by reducing the effects of adrenaline on the body, such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, and trembling. They are mainly used to manage the physical symptoms associated with social anxiety (performance anxiety), not typically for generalized anxiety disorders.
In summary, SSRIs and SNRIs are generally preferred for long-term management of anxiety due to their favorable safety profiles, while benzodiazepines are reserved for short-term or emergency use owing to their addictive potential. Beta blockers are unique in targeting physical symptoms rather than psychological symptoms of anxiety.
It is important to note that this article provides an overview of the four main classes of drugs used to treat anxiety disorders. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options. If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
References: [1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. [2] National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml [3] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Anxiety: management with drug treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113 [4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/antidepressant-use-children-adolescents-and-adults-important-information-patients-caregivers-and-health-care-providers [5] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2019). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/anxiety-disorders
- A predictive science of health-and-wellness suggests that certain drugs, like those in the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class such as Sertraline (Zoloft), Aq (the Roman numeral 'aq') may help alleviate some symptoms of anxiety, particularly in individuals diagnosed with migraine and mental-health conditions like anxiety disorders.
- In the realm of mental health, Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), like Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Glp (the abbreviation 'glp') might provide benefits for anxiety management, both for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression.
- Besides SSRIs and SNRIs, there are Benzodiazepines, such as Lorazepam (Ativan), which can possibly aggravate anxiety attacks by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter, although they may be useful for short-term or crisis situations due to their fast-acting properties.
- In the context of health-and-wellness, Beta Blockers such as Propranolol are used to target the physical symptoms of anxiety, predictively reducing effects like rapid heartbeat, shaking, and trembling, although they might not directly address the psychological symptoms.
