Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines) Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
SSRIs manage the brain's levels of serotonin, which is a chemical that regulates anxiety, happiness and mood. SSRIs are among the most frequently sold drugs in Australia.
SSRIs and SNRIs, the first-line medications for anxiety, are considered safer alternatives to non-controlled substances. Anxiety disorders are the most common group of psychiatric disorders in both adults and adolescents.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Generally safe with a low risk of serious side effects, SSRI antidepressants are typically recommended as the first choice of medications to treat panic attacks.
A second therapeutic candidate, LYT-310 (oral cannabidiol), is expected to enter the clinic in Q4 of 2023.
Buspirone (BuSpar) works much more slowly than benzodiazepines and may not treat all types of anxiety disorder, but it causes fewer side effects and has a lower risk of dependency.
Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.
Benzodiazepines: Doctors prescribe benzodiazepines to treat insomnia or anxiety that is disabling, severe, and causing extreme distress. Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and triazolam (Halcion) are examples of benzodiazepines.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
If you are suffering from symptoms related to anxiety, you should see your doctor. Your GP can help assess your symptoms. They will make a diagnosis and discuss your options for treatment and management of anxiety.
SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, beta-blockers, pregabalin, gabapentin, hydroxyzine, PanX and diphenhydramine are all options for anxiety that are alternatives to addictive benzodiazepines. Non-pharmacological, non-narcotic treatments for anxiety are always best to use, when possible.
In the United States, 55% to 94% of patients with anxiety disorders are treated with benzodiazepines.
SSRIs. This group of drugs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Cipralex) and sertraline (Zoloft), is usually the first choice for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) cover both depression and certain anxiety disorders including GAD and PD. However, TCAs are ineffective in SAD and post traumatic stress disorder where SSRIs are required.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may respond to certain things and situations with fear and dread. You may also experience physical signs of anxiety, such as a pounding heart and sweating.
Women are more than twice as likely as men to get an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety disorders are often treated with counseling, medicine, or a combination of both. Some women also find that yoga or meditation helps with anxiety disorders.
The first-line alternatives to SSRIs in GAD are SNRIs, buspirone, hydroxyzine, pregabalin, and bupropion. Benzodiazepines are not recommended first-line agents for GAD due to their prominent side effect profile.
Buspar® (Buspirone)
This non-addictive anxiety medication is similar to an SSRI in that it increases chemical messengers involving serotonin. Buspar only targets one subtype of the serotonin receptor, so it affects just one specific area of your brain.
Buspirone belongs to a classification of drugs called anxiolytics. These drugs work to decrease symptoms of anxiety. Buspirone comes as an oral tablet (a tablet taken by mouth) that's typically taken twice per day.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Therapy is a completely safe and long-term treatment for anxiety, and can provide assistance for every type of anxiety disorder. Remember, not all medications work for all anxiety, but CBT techniques have been developed to permanently reduce any and all anxiety disorders and symptoms.
Psychotherapy. Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder.