Because of the many safety concerns linked to
anti-anxiety drugs, other medications for treating anxiety have gained in
popularity. The alternatives to the anti-anxiety tranquilizers include
antidepressants, buspirone, and beta blockers.
Antidepressant medications for anxiety
Many medications originally approved for the
treatment of depression have been found to relieve symptoms of anxiety. These
include certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic
antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and the newer
atypical antidepressants.
Antidepressants are often preferred over
the traditional anti-anxiety drugs because the risk for dependency and abuse is
smaller. However, antidepressants take up to 4 to 6 weeks to begin relieving
anxiety symptoms, so they can’t be taken “as needed.” For example,
antidepressants wouldn’t help at all if you waited until you were having a
panic attack to take them. Their use is limited to chronic anxiety problems
that require ongoing treatment.
The antidepressants most widely prescribed for
anxiety are SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. These
work by regulating serotonin levels in the brain to elevate mood and have been
used to treat panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Common side effects include:
§ Nausea
§ Nervousness
§ Headaches
§ Sleepiness
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§ Sexual dysfunction
§ Dizziness
§ Stomach upset
§ Weight gain
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Although physical dependence is not as quick to
develop with antidepressants, withdrawal can still be an issue. If discontinued
too quickly, antidepressant withdrawal can trigger symptoms such as extreme
depression and fatigue, irritability, anxiety, flu-like symptoms, and insomnia.
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