Medication to Treat Anxiety

Anxiety involves a variety of physiological, emotional and mental symptoms that are uncomfortable and can interfere with functioning and performance. Anxiety symptoms can occur alone or with other mental conditions, such as mood or thought disorders. Several options are available to treat anxiety. It is necessary to be under the care of a physician who monitors efficacy of medical interventions.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

• Prescribed antidepressants used for anxiety include drugs classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs affect serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with mood and anxiety. Medications such as Prozac, Lexapro and Zoloft can be helpful in relieving anxiety symptoms.

Benzodiazepines

• Taking a benzodiazpine, such as Xanax, Ativan or Valium, is effective in treating anxiety. Benzodiazepines can be taken regularly or on an as-needed basis. The medication effects are felt almost immediately. These medications can be sedating and do have the potential for abuse.

Anticonvulsants

• Anxiety associated with mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, can be controlled well with anticonvulsant medications, also known as mood stabilizers. Medications such as Depakote or Tegretol help to stabilize mood shifts between mania and depression. They also control anxiety.

Antipsychotics

• Feeling anxious may be a symptom of other conditions that are best controlled by antipsychotic medication. Antipsychotics such as Zyprexa, Abilify or Risperdal are often used to boost antidepressant medication or mood stabilizers if breakthrough anxiety symptoms are present.

Others

• Choosing an alternative medication outside of these drug classes might be an option if recommended by a physician. Medications such as Cymbalta, Wellbutrin or Effexor are effective in treating both anxiety and mood disturbance.