Medication for Anxiety

United States · CPD courses & CPD points · Health Professionals

The information provided below is intended to provide basic information about mental health medications. It is not a complete source for all medications available and should not be used as a guide for making medical decisions.

Anti-anxiety medications help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks, or extreme fear and worry. Benzodiazepines can treat generalized anxiety disorder. In the case of panic disorder or social phobia, benzodiazepines are usually additional treatments, added to antidepressants.

Some examples include:

• Diazepam- Valium (5-10mg)

• Alprazolam- Xanor (0.25-1mg)

• Lorazepam- Ativan (2-3mg)

• Bromazepam- Lexotan (1-6mg)

• Clobazam – Urbanol (10-30mg)

Short-acting benzodiazepines (such as Lorazepam) and/or beta-blockers are used to treat the short-term symptoms of anxiety. Beta-blockers help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling, rapid heartbeat, and sweating that people may experience in difficult situations. Taking these medications for a short period of time can help the person keep physical symptoms under control and can be used “as needed” to reduce acute anxiety.

How do people respond to anti-anxiety medications?

Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines are effective in relieving anxiety and take effect more quickly than the antidepressant medications. However, people can build up a tolerance to benzodiazepines if they are taken over a long period of time and may need higher and higher doses to get the same effect. Some people may even become dependent on them. To avoid these problems, doctors usually prescribe benzodiazepines for short periods, a practice that is especially helpful for older adults (who are often at higher risk of dependence and side effects), people who have substance abuse problems and people who become dependent on medication easily. If people suddenly stop taking benzodiazepines, they may have withdrawal symptoms, or their anxiety may return. Therefore, benzodiazepines should be tapered off slowly with the help of their doctor.

What are the possible side effects of anti-anxiety medications?

Like other medications, anti-anxiety medications may cause side effects. Some of these side effects and risks are serious. The most common side effects for benzodiazepines are drowsiness and dizziness. Other possible side effects include:

• Nausea

• Blurred vision

• Headache

• Confusion

• Tiredness

• Nightmares

Common side effects of beta-blockers include:

• Fatigue

• Cold hands

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Weakness

Beta-blockers generally are not recommended for people with asthma or diabetes because they may worsen symptoms related to both.

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