List Of Anxiety Medications

Two typical lines of management are followed to cure anxiety disorders, namely medication and psychotherapy. It is left to the choice of the sufferer and the doctor as to the course of treatment to be followed. Sometimes, a combination of both the methods is used to cure the symptoms of anxiety disorder. It has been shown that several of the antidepressant medicines are also efficient in treating anxiety disorder. The three inhibitors namely Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and Tricyclics are some of the antidepressants that are used as anxiety disorder medications.

Benzodiazepines of high power are known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorder very rapidly. Drowsiness is one of the very common side effects that are exhibited by this genre of drug. These drugs are only prescribed for very short durations, as their continued usage is known to make the body develop a forbearance for them, necessitating use of higher doses every time. Panic disorder is another type of disorder where this type of medication is used for a period from six months to a year. This type of drugs is also found to be addictive and hence is not recommended for sufferers who have a history of dependence. Azipirones are a new class of anti depressant drugs that are the latest entry in treatment of anxiety. Buspirone (BuSpar) is in fact a brand name of this drug in today's market. Buspirone drug brings a few common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and also takes a longer time at least two weeks to achieve the anti-anxiety effect.

A Beta-blocker, known as Propanolol, used in case of heart conditions, is also found to be effective on anxiety disorders. This is especially true in cases of social anxiety disorder like stage fright, which can be forecast in advance. Its use is known to prevent symptoms such as pounding of heart, dry mouth and shaking of hands from anything happenings. Although various medications do not actually cure anxiety disorder, they are known to keep a check on the symptoms, controlling them and hence making it possible for the individual to lead an ordinary and rewarding life. Anxiolytic medications are a common remedy suggested by most of the physicians.

Benzodiazepine is one of the most common anti-anxiety dug. Beta blockers such as propanolol are efficient in treating some anxiety disorders. Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are also commonly used to treat general anxiety disorders. Azipirones such as Buspirone as mentioned earlier are used to treat generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). Triavil, Etrafon, and Limbitrol are commonly used to treat panic attacks. Clomipramine is commonly prescribed by the doctors for obsessive and compulsive disorders. Inderol is suggested for symptoms of phobias.

Some common antidepressant medications are also effective for curing anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, sertraline, fuoxetine, fluvoxamine, and citalopram are anxiolytic. Isoprocarboxazid and tranylcypromine are also common monoamine oxidase inhibitors used to control anxiety disorders. Phenelzine is normally used in cases of panic disorder and social phobias. Medication for anxiety disorder actually helps rectify chemical imbalances. The prescribed drugs should be taken only under the professional guidance of an expert physician.

• Matt Thompson
• 06/01/2009, 2:59 PM
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