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Antidepressants for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by constant worry and restlessness that goes beyond normal everyday stress. People who experience this condition generally feel anxious regardless of their situation or environment. Common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, headache, excessive sweating and digestive problems. A doctor can prescribe one of a range of antidepressants to a person with GAD, which can help relieve symptoms and get them back to a normal life.

  1. Prozac

    • Prozac, or fluoxetine, is in a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is one of the most popularly prescribed antidepressants, because of its effectiveness in treating both generalized anxiety disorders and depression. People generally see a difference in their mood after the drug has had enough time to build up in the body, which is usually in 5 weeks. Possible side effects include nausea, insomnia, nervousness and a reduced libido.

    Lexapro

    • Like Prozac, Lexapro is an SSRI. This popular drug increases the supply of serotonin in the brain, which causes the brain to feel relaxed. Do not take Lexapro if you have had kidney or liver disease. Possible side effects include headaches, insomnia, digestive problems and fatigue.

    Paxil

    • Paxil was made available in 1992 to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It shares many of the same side effects as Prozac and Lexapro, yet is more likely to cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Discoveries of birth defects in children led to warnings about this drug for pregnant women.

    Effexor

    • Effexor is in the group of arylalkanolamine serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, depression and panic disorders. In the past, it has been used to treat migraines; however, some people experience headaches as a side effect. It is generally not given to children or teens, because it increases the chance of suicidal thoughts. Contact a doctor if you are on this drug and have seen an increase in suicidal thoughts.

    Cymbalta

    • Cymbalta is one of the newer drugs to come out to treat generalized anxiety disorder. It was approved to treat this condition in 2007. As a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, it is also used to treat fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy and depression. Side effects include dry mouth, headaches, nausea and dizziness. Cymbalta was able to improve anxiety symptoms as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale.

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