Yes, various prescription pills are available to treat nervousness and anxiety, but they must be prescribed by a doctor after a professional evaluation, as they are not suitable for everyone. There are no over-the-counter medications specifically approved for anxiety disorders.
The most common type used to treat generalised anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as:
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
All benzodiazepines work the same way; however, the intensity and duration of their effects vary. Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety and major depressive disorder. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft.
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are depressant drugs which slow down the messages between the brain and the body. Benzos include a group of nervous system depressants prescribed for the short term treatment of stress, anxiety or insomnia. They are also known as 'minor tranquillisers' and sedatives (or sleeping pills).
To mitigate the effects of an overactive nervous system, it is important to adopt strategies to promote relaxation and calm.
Seizures can be controlled with anti-convulsant medicines such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam or sodium valproate.
The main treatments a GP may offer include:
Propranolol is a beta blocker first approved by the FDA in 1967 to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. Today, many clinicians also prescribe it off-label for short-term, situational anxiety because it calms the body's stress response.
Scientific studies confirm a direct link between deficiencies in certain nutrients and symptoms of anxiety. Specifically, vitamin D and B vitamin deficiencies are strongly linked to the development of anxiety disorders.
Five common anxiety symptoms include excessive worry, a racing heart, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating, often accompanied by physical feelings like a churning stomach, shortness of breath, and muscle tension, alongside irritability. These symptoms can be persistent and interfere with daily life, signaling the need for professional help.
The first choice anxiety medications of many doctors are SSRI and SNRI antidepressants. Other anxiety medications include benzodiazpines, buspirone, hydroxyzine, and betablockers.
Feeling nervous without an apparent trigger usually means your body is responding to internal stress rather than an external threat. This can happen when you're overtired, overwhelmed, or carrying unprocessed emotions. It may also be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.
You constantly feel overwhelmed by worry
Anxiety can cause you to catastrophize future situations. If you're having constant feelings of dread or uncontrollable worry, it might be a sign that you have generalized anxiety disorder, and medication can help.
Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative medication. This means they slow down the body and brain's functions. They can be used to help with anxiety and insomnia (difficult getting to sleep or staying asleep).
Prozac. Prozac (fluoxetine) is another widely prescribed SSRI that is effective in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and certain types of OCD. Like Zoloft, it works by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Propranolol is generally safe to take for a long time. If you're taking it for a heart condition, or to prevent migraines, it works best when you take it long term. If you're taking it for anxiety, there do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects if you take it for several months or years.
Compared to benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, propranolol is considered nonaddictive and is among the “mildest variety of anti-anxiety medication,” he says, but it is not without risk. Because propranolol works to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, if you reduce it too much, the person could faint.
Anxiety is the body's reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat. While occasional stress and anxiety are normal, they shouldn't control your life. If anxiety doesn't go away and begins to interfere with your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder.
An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be prescribed. In limited circumstances, your doctor may prescribe other types of medications, such as sedatives, also called benzodiazepines, or beta blockers. These medications are for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and are not intended to be used long term.
So, does anxiety get worse with age? Not exactly. Some anxiety disorders actually become less common with age, but new or worsening symptoms can still appear for several age-related reasons. While experiencing anxiety is prevalent among seniors, it's not considered a “normal” part of aging.
Commonly Used Drugs in Neurology
Particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) contribute essentially to the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.
Symptoms may include: