Antianxiety Medicines

What are antianxiety medicines?

Antianxiety medicines are drugs that calm and relax you. They are also called sedatives or tranquilizers. They may be prescribed to treat conditions such as:

• panic disorder
• generalized anxiety disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• social phobia.

Are there different kinds?

There are several different kinds of antianxiety medicines.

Benzodiazepines can relieve symptoms within a short time. Examples of this type of antianxiety medicine are:

• lorazepam (Ativan)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• oxazepam (Serax)
• clorazepate (Tranxene)
• diazepam (Valium)
• alprazolam (Xanax).

Buspirone (BuSpar) is another kind of antianxiety medicine. Unlike benzodiazepines, you must take buspirone regularly for at least 2 weeks before you see results.

Anxiety may also be treated with antidepressants such as:

• citalopram (Celexa)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• mirtazapine (Remeron)
• nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
• venlafaxine (Effexor).

Beta blockers are medicines used to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. Some beta blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, may also help control anxiety.

How do they work?

The brain is made up of billions of neurons (cells) that communicate with each other. This affects other parts of the body. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances in the brain. The kinds and amounts of these substances control how neurons communicate. Too much or too little of these neurotransmitters may lead to anxiety. Using medicines to treat these imbalances may help return your life to normal.

Not all antianxiety medicines affect your brain chemistry in the same way. Different medicines affect different neurotransmitters. Your healthcare provider will work with you to carefully select the right medicine for you.

What are the advantages of antianxiety medicines?

Antianxiety medicines help you feel calmer and more relaxed. They may make other kinds of treatment more effective. If you are too anxious to leave the house, you may have trouble getting to psychotherapy or counseling. The right medicine may help you get the treatment that is most effective for you.

What are the disadvantages of antianxiety medicines?

Common side effects of benzodiazepines may include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• tiredness
• slurred speech
• trouble concentrating.

If you take benzodiazepines for weeks or months, you may become dependent on them. Generally you will take these medicines for just a few weeks. Sometimes you will take them just when you feel stressed or anxious.

Antianxiety medicines may cause side effects such as:

• increased nervousness
• loss of appetite or increased appetite
• fast heartbeat
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness
• sleepiness
• dry mouth
• sexual side effects.

Do not stop taking these medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. If you take them for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them too quickly.

Other medicines that slow down the nervous system increase the effects of sedatives. This includes medicines such as antihistamines, sleeping pills, some pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and some ulcer medicine. Drinking alcohol while you are taking sedatives can make you stop breathing, leading to unconsciousness or even death. Never drink alcohol if you are taking sedatives.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Seek professional help if:

• Anxiety symptoms don't go away after a few weeks.
• The symptoms get worse.
• You have side effects that you think may be caused by the medicine.

If you have questions or problems related to the medicine, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.