Anxiety Pills - Types and Uses
Anxiety pills available in the US fall into seven categories: benzodiazepines, beta blockers, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, one azapirone (mild tranquilizer), and an anticonvulsant. Federal law requires that these anxiety pills only be dispensed under a physician's supervision.
Following are these medications as they apply to specific anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Pills for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Clinical research shows that as much as 65% of patients with this disorder are also afflicted with other psychological disorders as well, particularly major depression and panic disorder. That is why medications for generalized anxiety disorder apply to these conditions as well. They are:
Benzodiazepines (also for panic and phobia) – e.g., Xanax, Ativan
Antidepressants – usually Tofranil
Azapirone (mild tranquilizer) – only BuSpar is sold in the US
New clinical research also reveals SSRIs to be active against this disorder.
Anxiety Pills for Panic Attacks
The most effective panic medications are those that address the two stages of this disorder, particularly the initial stage of anticipatory anxiety as well as the actual onset of panic. These medications are:
a) Benzodiazepines – usually Xanax and Klonopin
b) Antidepressants – usually Trofanil
c) SSRIs (at times combined with the benzodiazepines) – e.g., Prozac, Zoloft
d) MAOIs – Nardil was most effective in clinical studies
e) The Anticonvulsant Depakote (valproate)
Benzodiazepines are sedatives used to treat symptoms of panic attacks by slowing down the nervous system. They have few side effects, but the human body adapts to the intake of this drug and with time, higher dosages are necessary to see any effect. Generic brand names often prescribed are Clonazepam, Lorazepam and Alprazolam, anti-anxiety drug used for social anxiety disorders, GAD and panic disorders. There is a high danger of being addicted to these drugs, and it is necessary to slowly wean off it as you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you halt medication consumption.
Azapirones are a newer variety of anti anxiety drugs which take a longer time to take effect, ranging from 2 weeks to a month. They are usually prescribed for GAD and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and are less addictive with minimal withdrawal symptoms.
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