Anxiolytic Drugs in the Treatment of Anxiety

Anxiety is a condition that plagues millions of Americans on a daily basis. For some, it's nothing more than an inconvenient feeling that passes rather quickly once stress subsides. For others, it's a powerful event that prevents them from living a normal life. For these individuals, anxiolytic drugs may help them significantly.

Definition

• Anxiolytic is defined as a drug that relieves anxiety.

Action

• Drugs.com states that commonly prescribed anxiolytic drugs, such as Ativan, are believed to work by affecting chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Types

• Anxiolytic drugs to treat anxiety and the lack of sleep associated with anxiety are made up primarily, but not entirely, of benzodiazepines.

Side Effects

• PrimaryPsychiatry.com states that benzodiazepine anxiolytics cause side effects that can include excessive daytime drowsiness, lack of awareness and cognitive impairment.

Non-Benzodiazepine Anxiolytics

• One of the most popular non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics is buspirone, which must be taken up to three times a day. The drug doesn't cause the side effects or sedating characteristics of benzodiazepines.

Tips

• Whenever taking anxiolytic drugs, it's important to not become dependent on the medication. Use as directed, and under the care of a physician.