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Most people experience anxious moments occasionally in life. For instance, it is not unusual to feel anxious before a test, while tackling a problem at work, or before making important decisions. For most people, these worries and fears are temporary. In some people, however, the anxiety is persistent and does not go away, often getting worse over time. Such people are said to have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms can interfere with their ability to function in daily life. Anxiety can affect their performance at school or work as well as their relationships.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, and panic disorder. Panic disorder is a subtype of anxiety disorder in which a person experiences spontaneous and sudden panic attacks. A panic attack is an unexpected episode of intense, unfounded fear in the absence of any real danger. People experiencing a panic attack can have various physical symptoms, such as sweating or a pounding heartbeat.
Many people are unaware that anxiety and panic disorder are real medical conditions that are highly responsive to treatment. Some people are afraid to tell anyone about their symptoms for fear of being labeled crazy or hypochondriacs. If you have symptoms of anxiety and/or panic disorder, you do not have to suffer in silence. Many effective medications are available to help you manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is made when a person experiences excessive anxiety for at least 6 months, with the symptoms causing problems in everyday life, including work, relationships, and social interactions. Common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:
- Constant worrying about health, work, family, and other routine life circumstances
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- Irritability
- Easy fatigability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep or waking up feeling unrefreshed
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
When someone has panic disorder, they experience recurrent panic attacks that often occur unexpectedly. The attacks typically consist of intense fear that starts and peaks quickly, often within minutes. The panic attacks can occur spontaneously or be triggered by something, such as a specific objection, situation, or location. Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Heart palpitations (fast heartbeat)
- Shaking or trembling
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath or sensation of choking
- Feelings of unease or impending doom
- Feelings of lack of control
Medications for Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Several different types of medications can treat the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder, including:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, meaning they make more serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is a brain chemical that has a positive influence on mood and emotions. SSRIs take 2-6 weeks to become fully effective. Anxiety treatment with SSRIs can last up to 12 months, with a subsequent gradual reduction in dosage. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs ease the symptoms of anxiety also by affecting brain chemistry, i.e., by regulating chemical messengers like serotonin and norepinephrine that are known to affect mood. Like SSRIs, SNRIs do not have an immediate effect and they can take several weeks to become fully effective. Examples are venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs are an older class of drugs used for anxiety and depression treatment. They work by increasing the levels of some brain chemicals (norepinephrine and serotonin) and blocking the action of others (acetylcholine). Usually, doctors prefer to prescribe SSRIs as the first line of treatment for anxiety because they cause fewer side effects. However, TCAs like amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and imipramine (Tofranil) can be useful in people who do not get relief of anxiety symptoms with other types of anti-anxiety drugs.
Benzodiazepines are sedative drugs that treat the physical symptoms of anxiety such as muscle tension and insomnia. They work by increasing a brain chemical called GABA. The effects of benzodiazepines, such as muscle relaxation, are noticeable within a few minutes. Examples of benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzodiazepines can be used for the short-term treatment of anxiety. However, doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety because they carry a risk of dependency and their effect reduces over time. Benzodiazepine treatment should not be stopped suddenly. Your doctor will advise you on how to slowly and safely decrease your dose.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs are antidepressant medications that are sometimes used off-label to treat panic disorder and phobias. Examples include isocarboxazid (Marplan) and selegiline (Emsam).
Other anti-anxiety medications include beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) that can relieve some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Another anti-anxiety medication, buspirone (BuSpar) is sometimes prescribed. Buspirone has a slower onset of action than benzodiazepines but a lower risk of addiction. It also causes fewer side effects.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Anti-anxiety drugs are prescription medications and they are not sold over-the-counter. These medications alter brain chemistry and should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Indiscriminate use of anti-anxiety medications can have dangerous consequences. For instance, antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in children and young adults, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
If your anxiety is mild, you may benefit from some over-the-counter supplements to ease your symptoms. For example, melatonin can help if you have trouble falling asleep, 5-HTP may regulate your mood and appetite, and magnesium can act as a natural muscle relaxer. It is important to use caution when taking these supplements because they can interfere with other treatments. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you take to ensure there are no dangerous interactions.
Common Side Effects of Anxiety and Panic Disorder Medications
SSRIs can cause dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, agitation, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction.
Common side effects of SNRIs include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, weight gain, increased blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction.
Side effects of TCAs include drowsiness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, tremors, sweating, weight changes, and difficulty urinating.
Benzodiazepines can cause side effects like dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, headaches, upset stomach, and problems with concentration, memory, coordination, balance, and speech.
Potential side effects of MAOIs include diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, low blood pressure, weight gain, sweating, and difficulty urinating.
Common Questions
What are the risk factors for anxiety?
Research has shown that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing anxiety and panic disorders. People with a history of anxiety in close relatives and those who are exposed to high-stress situations during childhood or adulthood are at higher risk of developing anxiety and panic disorders. Some medical conditions like thyroid disorders and heart arrhythmias can make the symptoms of anxiety worse.
Is it possible to treat anxiety and panic disorder without medications?
Anxiety disorders can be treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy can be tailored to address specific anxieties and teach patients to manage fears and worries in a healthy manner.
Can I get a discount on anti-anxiety medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including anti-anxiety drugs—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021
Common Anxiety and Panic Disorder Health Medications
Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter anxiety and panic disorder drugs.
Most people experience anxious moments occasionally in life. For instance, it is not unusual to feel anxious before a test, while tackling a problem at work, or before making important decisions. For most people, these worries and fears are temporary. In some people, however, the anxiety is persistent and does not go away, often getting worse over time. Such people are said to have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms can interfere with their ability to function in daily life. Anxiety can affect their performance at school or work as well as their relationships.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, and panic disorder. Panic disorder is a subtype of anxiety disorder in which a person experiences spontaneous and sudden panic attacks. A panic attack is an unexpected episode of intense, unfounded fear in the absence of any real danger. People experiencing a panic attack can have various physical symptoms, such as sweating or a pounding heartbeat.
Many people are unaware that anxiety and panic disorder are real medical conditions that are highly responsive to treatment. Some people are afraid to tell anyone about their symptoms for fear of being labeled crazy or hypochondriacs. If you have symptoms of anxiety and/or panic disorder, you do not have to suffer in silence. Many effective medications are available to help you manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is made when a person experiences excessive anxiety for at least 6 months, with the symptoms causing problems in everyday life, including work, relationships, and social interactions. Common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:
- Constant worrying about health, work, family, and other routine life circumstances
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- Irritability
- Easy fatigability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep or waking up feeling unrefreshed
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
When someone has panic disorder, they experience recurrent panic attacks that often occur unexpectedly. The attacks typically consist of intense fear that starts and peaks quickly, often within minutes. The panic attacks can occur spontaneously or be triggered by something, such as a specific objection, situation, or location. Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Heart palpitations (fast heartbeat)
- Shaking or trembling
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath or sensation of choking
- Feelings of unease or impending doom
- Feelings of lack of control
Medications for Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Several different types of medications can treat the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder, including:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, meaning they make more serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin is a brain chemical that has a positive influence on mood and emotions. SSRIs take 2-6 weeks to become fully effective. Anxiety treatment with SSRIs can last up to 12 months, with a subsequent gradual reduction in dosage. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs ease the symptoms of anxiety also by affecting brain chemistry, i.e., by regulating chemical messengers like serotonin and norepinephrine that are known to affect mood. Like SSRIs, SNRIs do not have an immediate effect and they can take several weeks to become fully effective. Examples are venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs are an older class of drugs used for anxiety and depression treatment. They work by increasing the levels of some brain chemicals (norepinephrine and serotonin) and blocking the action of others (acetylcholine). Usually, doctors prefer to prescribe SSRIs as the first line of treatment for anxiety because they cause fewer side effects. However, TCAs like amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and imipramine (Tofranil) can be useful in people who do not get relief of anxiety symptoms with other types of anti-anxiety drugs.
Benzodiazepines are sedative drugs that treat the physical symptoms of anxiety such as muscle tension and insomnia. They work by increasing a brain chemical called GABA. The effects of benzodiazepines, such as muscle relaxation, are noticeable within a few minutes. Examples of benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzodiazepines can be used for the short-term treatment of anxiety. However, doctors rarely prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety because they carry a risk of dependency and their effect reduces over time. Benzodiazepine treatment should not be stopped suddenly. Your doctor will advise you on how to slowly and safely decrease your dose.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs are antidepressant medications that are sometimes used off-label to treat panic disorder and phobias. Examples include isocarboxazid (Marplan) and selegiline (Emsam).
Other anti-anxiety medications include beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) that can relieve some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Another anti-anxiety medication, buspirone (BuSpar) is sometimes prescribed. Buspirone has a slower onset of action than benzodiazepines but a lower risk of addiction. It also causes fewer side effects.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Anti-anxiety drugs are prescription medications and they are not sold over-the-counter. These medications alter brain chemistry and should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Indiscriminate use of anti-anxiety medications can have dangerous consequences. For instance, antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in children and young adults, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
If your anxiety is mild, you may benefit from some over-the-counter supplements to ease your symptoms. For example, melatonin can help if you have trouble falling asleep, 5-HTP may regulate your mood and appetite, and magnesium can act as a natural muscle relaxer. It is important to use caution when taking these supplements because they can interfere with other treatments. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you take to ensure there are no dangerous interactions.
Common Side Effects of Anxiety and Panic Disorder Medications
SSRIs can cause dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, agitation, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction.
Common side effects of SNRIs include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, weight gain, increased blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction.
Side effects of TCAs include drowsiness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, tremors, sweating, weight changes, and difficulty urinating.
Benzodiazepines can cause side effects like dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, headaches, upset stomach, and problems with concentration, memory, coordination, balance, and speech.
Potential side effects of MAOIs include diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, low blood pressure, weight gain, sweating, and difficulty urinating.
Common Questions
What are the risk factors for anxiety?
Research has shown that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing anxiety and panic disorders. People with a history of anxiety in close relatives and those who are exposed to high-stress situations during childhood or adulthood are at higher risk of developing anxiety and panic disorders. Some medical conditions like thyroid disorders and heart arrhythmias can make the symptoms of anxiety worse.
Is it possible to treat anxiety and panic disorder without medications?
Anxiety disorders can be treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy can be tailored to address specific anxieties and teach patients to manage fears and worries in a healthy manner.
Can I get a discount on anti-anxiety medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including anti-anxiety drugs—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021
Common Anxiety and Panic Disorder Health Medications
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