Drugs to Help With Anxiety & Weight Loss

While it is common for most people to feel a little anxious from time to time, some have disorders that make their anxiety difficult to control. Common symptoms include nervousness, exhaustion, body aches and trouble eating and sleeping. Sometimes people lose weight when anxious. Though it is a serious condition, there are drugs that can help with anxiety.

Antidepressants

• While these drugs are commonly prescribed for depression, which is different form anxiety, antidepressants can also be helpful. For some people with anxiety disorders, there is an issue with the way neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain, function. Drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and Lexapro can help correct neurotransmitter function. One side effect of these drugs is weight gain, so they are also beneficial for people who experience weight loss from their anxiety disorder.

Buspirone

• Buspirone is another type of drug used to treat anxiety. It works by balancing the chemicals in the brain. While Buspirone is used to treat some depression, it more often is used for people with anxiety. Like antidepressants, Buspirone is taken for a few weeks before the effects become noticeable, and then there is a need to continue taking it. The most common side effect of Buspirone is light-headedness.

Benzodiazepines

• Benzodiazepines are used for people with severe anxiety and, unlike antidepressants, only need to be taken once to calm down. Benzodiazepines work as sedatives and include drugs such as Klonopin, Xanax and Valium. Benzodiazepines are only recommended for the short term since they are addictive and once a habit forms, it becomes difficult to stop taking them. Side effects include issues with memory, coordination and fatigue.