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Anti-Anxiety drugs

For some people who suffer from anxiety symptoms, medication can help. But most experts agree that medication does not address the real cause of the problem. They also agree the medication is best used as a short-term solution. The medications most often used to treat anxiety also have side effects, such as addiction, that must be weighed carefully. This article details common anti-anxiety prescription drugs and how they are used.

Panic attacks are often treated with panic disorder medicines. These medications can be useful in controlling the various symptoms associated with panic attacks. They can reduce the number of attacks and the severity of the attacks. They can also help patients deal with the fear of future attacks.
 

Anxiety / Panic Attack Medications

A common class of drug used for panic attacks are the benzodiazepines. Of these, the most popular are:
 
These drugs will block panic attacks much faster than antidepressants. Some can work a couple of weeks. Generally, they do not have as many side effects as antidepressants. Both types of drugs, however, may result in withdrawal symptoms as the patient comes off of them.
 
When it comes to antidepressants, Tofranil (Imipramine) (a tricyclic antidepressant) has been around for a long time. This drug can be used to treat panic attacks. Other types of tricyclic antidepressant medications that may be used include:
 
For patients taking antidepressant medications, nearly 80 % will show signs of improvement. Other helpful drugs include the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs often have less severe side effects than those found in the tricyclic antidepressants. Here are just a few of these newer drugs:
 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD

With the proper medications, fears and obsessions can be reduced. But it should be noted, that medications cannot eliminate the fear from happening. What meds can do is help the patient to face the fear and to deal with it in a positive manner. For the treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) there are four SSRI's approved by FDA: Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft and Paxil. In addition, two antidepressants can help people with obsessions: Effexor (venlafaxine) and Anafranil (clomipramine).
 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

There are also medications for General Anxiety. BuSpar (Buspirone) as well as many benzodiazepines, like diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and oxazepam (Serax) are being used.
 

Specific Phobia Treatment

There are also medications to treat Specific Phobias. These medications may reduce the level of tension often seen by patients as they enter a fearful situation. With a small dose of benzodiazepine, one hour or so before being exposed to the event, a patient may experience reduced anxiety levels once he or she gets there. If the dose does not work, the doctor may increase the dose for the next event. Some individuals may benefit from various medications like Serax (Oxazepam) or Librium (chlordiazepoxide).
 

Social Anxiety Disorder

Medications for Social Anxiety may help patients lower the level of tension they fear when entering a fearful situation. These can help to reduce heart rate as well as outward signs such as sweaty palms.
 
The beta adrenergic blocking agents are the medications that have been around the longest for treatment of social phobias. These are also known as beta blockers. Common brands include Inderal (Propranolol) and Tenormin (Atenolol).
 

Anxiety and Depression

Various antidepressants can be used for people who suffer from a combination of anxiety and depression. These antidepressant drugs may help relieve the symptoms of depression while at the same time help control possible panic attacks. The attending doctor may prescribe any one of various sedating tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine or they may order a MAOI's. Combing the drugs is also a possibility such as when buspirone or the alprazolam is combined with tricyclic antidepressants.
 

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