Drugs for Reducing Anxiety

If you're suffering from an anxiety disorder, chances are you are undergoing therapy. You have probably also been prescribed medication or your mental health professional has suggested medication as an additional treatment option. There are dozens of anti-anxiety medications available. The medication you'll receive depends on the type of anxiety disorder(s) you have and your medical history. The medicines mentioned in the following sections are referred to by their brand names.

Benzodiazepines

• Benzodiazepines are a class of anti-anxiety/antidepressant medications that increase the brain chemical GABA to increase energy levels, elevate mood and reduce mood. Some common benzodiazepines include Ativan, Valium, Halcion, Klonopin and Librium. People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and panic attacks are often prescribed medication within this class. Healthyplace.com warns, however, that benzodiazepines have side effects such as addiction and drowsiness.

SSRIs

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work to increase the balance of serotonin, a neurotransmitter thought to influence mood, energy and anxiety levels. Healthyplace.com lists Paxil, Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and Luvox as common SSRIs used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, seasonal affective disorder and panic disorder. Some side effects include nausea and a reduced sex drive. The main benefit of SSRIs, though, is that they are effective with fewer side effects than other anti-anxiety medications.

Tricyclic anti-depressants

• For those suffering with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) or panic disorder, tricyclic anti-depressants are often prescribed. These medications regulate serotonin and adrenaline, two chemicals in the brain that influence panic and anxiety levels. Common tricyclic antidepressants include Elavil, Pamelor, Tofranil and Aventyl. According to healthyplace.com, the main benefit of tricyclic antidepressants is that they seems to be effective anti-anxiety/antidepressant for a number of people, although it can take two to six months for symptoms to improve.

Other anti-anxiety medication

• In addition to benzodiazepines, SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, there are other medications that treat anxiety. BuSpar is in a class called azaspirones, and effectively treats the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Healthyplace.com describes a class known as MAOIs or monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate. However, this class of medications is carefully prescribed as these medications can have adverse reactions when taken in conjunction with a number of other medications. They can also cause changes in blood pressure, and they often cause weight gain. However, MAOIs are thought to be especially effective for people who have tried anti-anxiety medications from the other classes but found them ineffective.