Antidepressant drugs are often the choice for people who suffer from anxiety disorders. Anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines are also used, but they can be habit-forming. Antidepressants work to alter the brain chemistry and take several weeks for anxiety symptoms to fade, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Anxiety disorders cause exaggerated worries or concerns that interfere with people’s daily lives. Disorders may include generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Serotonin Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block reabsorption of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain to relieve anxiety symptoms, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). Higher levels of serotonin improve the mood. SSRIs are used for all anxiety disorders. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder usually need higher doses. Side effects may include insomnia, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which affects adrenaline. The levels of these neurotransmitters increase when the medication inhibits their reabsorption into the brain cells, leaving more of the brain chemicals to improve moods. Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms improve with SNRIs. Headache, upset stomach, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and a minor increase in blood pressure may occur.
Tricyclics
Tricyclic antidepressants work as well as serotonin inhibitors for anxiety disorders except for obsessive-compulsive disorder, the NIMH says. Specific tricyclics have been developed for use on obsessive-compulsive disorder. Tricyclics are preferred for long-term treatment over benzodiazepines, preferred for short-term treatment, according to Psych Central. Tricyclics start in low doses and are gradually increased. They have significant side effects such as a drop in blood pressure when standing, blurry vision, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention, the ADAA notes.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the oldest antidepressants, the NIMH says. They treat all anxiety disorders. Specific medications are used for panic disorder and social phobia. MAOIs have many restrictions. Certain foods and beverages, such as cheese and red wine, cannot be taken with the medication. Certain medications or pain relievers, birth control pills, cold or allergy medications and herbal supplements can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure. An MAOI skin patch may decrease the risks, the NIMH points out. MAOIs can react with serotonin inhibitors to cause serotonin syndrome, according to the NIMH. This can result in potentially life-threatening conditions that include changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm and seizures. Confusion, hallucinations, increased sweating and muscle stiffness may also occur.
About this Author
Jerry Shaw has spent more than 35 years in newspapers, magazines and book publishing. He has written on a variety of topics for various websites, magazines and newspapers, including “Florida Today,” “Daytona Beach News-Journal” and “Today in PT,” an online magazine for physical therapists. He lives in Florida.
