Anxiety Medications: Medication Types And Effects
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Many people experience feelings of anxiety occasionally. For instance, feeling nervous during a first date or a public speaking engagement can be natural, but those feelings usually subside relatively quickly. For people with anxiety disorders, however, the feelings can be so intense and so long-lasting that they disrupt daily life.
Learning the correct type of care and treatment
Anxiety is believed to affect nearly 20% of the adult population in the US, likely making it the most common type of mental illness. There can be many ways to treat chronic anxiety disorders, and the treatment that is best for you will likely depend upon your therapist’s diagnosis. Common anxiety medications can include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines. Herbal supplements, lifestyle changes, and therapy may also be helpful. You can start therapy by connecting with a licensed therapist through an online therapy platform.
Always speak with your doctor regarding any type of medication or supplement.
About anxiety medications
Anxiety medication is often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. While these medications can be effective for short-term relief and improving mental health, they may come with side effects that need to be monitored by a trained professional. It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage generalized anxiety and other related conditions while balancing the benefits and potential risks of the medication.
Anxiety disorders that may require prescriptions
There are several distinct types of anxiety disorders that doctors may prescribe medication for:
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Separation anxiety disorder
Acute stress disorder
Adjustment disorder
Substance-induced anxiety disorder
Anxiety related to a medical condition
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
PTSD
Phobias
A doctor can determine which type of anti-anxiety medication may work best with your physiology and the type of symptoms you experience. Therefore, giving your doctor a full medical history and current medication list can be essential. Certain anxiety medications might cause complications if you have other medical conditions you take medicine for.
When you talk to your doctor about deciding on an anxiety medicine for you, they may ask you if you have a history of:
Heart, liver, or kidney disease
A bleeding or clotting disorder
Seizures or epilepsy
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Bipolar disorder
Suicidal thoughts
A recent heart attack
Seniors, teens, and children typically have different medical needs and will likely receive different medication recommendations.
Types of anxiety medication
There may be a few popular categories of anxiety medications, often including SSRIs, SNRIs, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines. SSRIs and SNRIs are the two classes of medications commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs work by increasing the serotonin levels in your brain. Common brand names of SSRIs for anxiety and depression may include Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft. Rather than giving you a quick feeling of calm within a half hour or so like some other anti-anxiety meds, these medications are typically designed to work more gently, smoothly, and steadily. It's important to note that these medications often take several weeks to show effects as they gradually reduce anxiety.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are another class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety that works by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are often first-line options alongside SSRIs to promote anxiety relief. Common SNRI brand names may include Effexor, Cymbalta, Pristiq, and Fetzima. Clinical trials have shown SNRIs to be effective in treating anxiety, although they may have different side effects and interactions compared to SSRIs.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers were mainly designed to treat heart problems and high blood pressure. They can also be used off-label to reduce anxiety, especially in stressful situations such as public speaking. Beta-blockers may help most with the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as dizziness, shakiness, sweating, a trembling voice, and rapid heart rate. They are often used as a medication for performance anxiety. Beta-blockers are not habit-forming, potentially making them a safer option for many patients, including pregnant women, under medical supervision.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are effective for short-term treatment of severe anxiety and panic attacks, acting quickly to provide relief. However, the risk of addiction and physical dependence on benzodiazepines increases with prolonged use, making it important to use them under strict medical supervision. Taking benzodiazepines is often reserved for cases where other treatment options have failed or in combination with other drugs for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Effects and side effects of anxiety medication
Different anxiety medications tend to work differently. Therefore, you may want to be aware of the unwanted side effects of anti-anxiety medications. Some medications may have fewer side effects than others.
Side effects of prescription anxiety medication include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Agitation
Nervousness
Sexual dysfunction
Headaches
Dry mouth
Weight gain
Diarrhea
Excessive sweating
Increased depression
Reduced sexual desire
Memory problems
Suicidal thoughts or actions*
Certain medications, especially benzodiazepines, may be linked to physical dependence and addiction. If you stop taking these anti-anxiety medications abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and headache. Gradual tapering under medical supervision is recommended, as sudden discontinuation can lead to serious health risks.
Considerations when choosing treatment
After reviewing your and your family’s medical history and conducting a medical examination, your doctor will likely evaluate a few other things when determining the kind of medication that may be best for you.
They will normally diagnose the type of anxiety you have, as different medications are often suited to treat different kinds of anxiety. They may evaluate the severity of your symptoms and whether you’d be best suited for fast-acting or extended-release medications (or both). They’ll also likely determine if you struggle with substance use disorder and if you experience symptoms of other disorders, like depression, for example. You can also discuss concerns about costs and whether a brand or generic name of a medication is more appropriate for you.
Other treatment methods for anxiety
Studies suggest that herbal supplements containing ingredients like L-lysine, L-arginine, and magnesium can help ease symptoms of anxiety. These are usually widely available over the counter at your local drugstore or supermarket. These types of supplements typically have few side effects, but they’re also not usually as effective for treating anxiety as prescription medications. Always report any supplements you take to your doctor and ask your doctor before trying new supplements, as some herbal supplements can cause complications when mixed with other medications.
Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and mindfulness meditation, can also relieve anxiety symptoms. These may be excellent supplemental activities to add to your doctor’s treatment plan.
Online therapy for an anxiety disorder
Anxiety medications have often revolutionized the way that people with anxiety disorders function in the world. For many with severe cases of anxiety, medications can mean the difference between self-imposed isolation and leading a normal life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety
But studies show that the most effective form of treatment for anxiety disorders is usually cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A psychotherapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can provide a framework for a workable treatment program where the patient can unearth the sources of their feelings of anxiety to understand them. Once the sources are identified, the therapist may work carefully with the patient to process the feelings associated with them and develop techniques to move past them. The final goal is normally to provide the patient with coping skills to handle their feelings of anxiety when they emerge and put them into perspective, thus giving them the tools they need to live productively on a day-to-day basis.
Despite the effectiveness of therapy in treating anxiety disorders, some people choose not to (or are unable to) go to therapy. The reasons for this tend to vary and depend on the individual, but they most often include issues around availability and scheduling conflicts.
Virtual care can alleviate social anxiety symptoms
For people struggling with the symptoms of anxiety, particularly social anxiety, it can be extremely difficult to summon the strength to leave the house on some days, much less travel to and from a therapist’s office where one will potentially encounter other patients and staff. Some people may not feel comfortable speaking to the therapist in person for fear of judgment or personal concerns.
The best solution to these barriers for people with anxiety may be speaking with a therapist on an online platform, such as BetterHelp. BetterHelp can make it possible for licensed therapists to work with you from any location with an internet connection at a time that fits your schedule. You can speak with a counselor via phone, online chat, or video call.
In general, online therapy is safe and affordable, and studies find that it can be as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety disorders, depression, and more.
Takeaway
Some of the most common anti-anxiety medication options include benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, SNRIs, and SSRIs. However, options like psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and herbal supplements can also decrease anxiety symptoms, and therapy is typically the first-line treatment for anxiety. It can be easy to match with a licensed therapist and schedule sessions through an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
If you’re interested in supplement and medication options for anxiety, be sure to consult your doctor.
What are the top 10 medications for anxiety and depression?
The top 10 medications that may be used to treat anxiety and depression are:
Benzodiazepines like Xanan, Ativan, or Valium
Beta-blockers like Inderal or Sectral
Selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs) or Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Effexor or Cymbalta
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Celexa, Lexapro, or Prozac
Tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil or Tofranil
Azaspirodecanedione like Vanspar or Buspar
Antipsychotic medications like Abilify or Seroquel
Antihistamines like Sominex or Vistaril
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like Marplan and Parnate
Alpha-blockers or alpha-adrenergic antagonists like Minipress
What is a good natural anxiety medicine?
Some research suggests that herbal supplements with L-arginine, L-lysine, and magnesium may help ease symptoms of anxiety, but they may not be as effective as medication. You may also try relaxation techniques, like mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga.
What is the safest anti-anxiety drug?
Everyone reacts to medications differently. Each of the types of medications used to treat depression may have some side effects, but they are all generally safe for the treatment of anxiety and depression and may be used in conjunction with therapy. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there are some things you should talk to your doctor about before starting a prescription medication.
Things to discuss with your doctor before taking antidepressants or anxiety medications
Let your provider know all the medications you are currently taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, to determine if the medication will react with other drugs you’re taking. Some medications, like opioid drugs, may cause anxiety.
Ask whether you should take the medication with food or on an empty stomach, how frequently you should take it, and whether you should take it in the morning or at night.
Find out how long it can take for the medication to start working and how you should expect to feel. For some medications, it can take a few weeks to feel the drug effects.
Ask about side effects, if there are any foods or drinks you should avoid, and when you should have a follow-up. Make sure you know what number to call to get in touch with your doctor’s office if you’re experiencing side effects.
You may also want to ask if you will develop a physical dependence on the medication and should expect withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug suddenly. For example, if you are taking benzodiazepines, it is important to know about their addictive potential and life threatening withdrawal symptoms, and not to stop taking them without medical supervision.
What are calming tablets for anxiety?
Many anxiety drugs come in tablet form. Many medications in the benzodiazepine drug class, the most common drugs prescribed for anxiety, come in tablet form. Tablets come in a range of shapes and sizes and are generally made of a powdered form of the medications pressed into a pill shape. Some tablets may have a coating that makes them easier to swallow, whereas dry tablets have a dull surface that may make them difficult to swallow.
Can I cure anxiety without antidepressants or other prescription medications?
There is no cure for anxiety, but many people can learn to manage their symptoms by working with a therapist. Some research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of treatment for anxiety disorders. A therapist can help you learn various techniques for coping with your anxiety as well as identify where the anxiety is coming from to understand it a bit more.
How can I calm my anxiety fast without SSRIs or benzodiazepines?
There is no surefire way to calm anxiety fast, but there are some things you can try. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and grounding exercises can all help. These techniques may come in handy if you experience something like performance anxiety and are trying to calm yourself down before giving a speech or presentation.
What triggers people's anxiety?
People with anxiety have different triggers, but some of the more common ones might be health issues, caffeine, skipping meals, conflicts, financial concerns, stressful situations, social gatherings, or public performances.
How do I know if I have anxiety?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, here are the symptoms of anxiety you should look out for:
Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
Being easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Irritability
Muscle tension
Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
Is anxiety a form of mental illness?
Yes, anxiety is considered a mental health disorder. In fact, according to the American Psychiatric Association, it is one of the most common mental health problems, affecting nearly 30% of people at some point in their lives.
What is the strongest anxiety relief?
The strongest anxiety relief can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may be able to control their anxiety by ensuring they get enough sleep and exercise, while others may need to find the right anxiety or antidepressant medication and work with a therapist to learn how to manage their anxiety symptoms.
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