Practically everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It’s OK to feel anxious about something that you are excited about or something important that you are accomplishing. However, for some people, anxiety occurs much more frequently and interrupts multiple aspects of their lives. Some people take medication to control general anxiety symptoms, and some take them to treat a specific anxiety disorder.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a common treatment for anxiety because they have proven to be effective in balancing the neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that cause anxiety, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following antidepressants to treat your anxiety: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertaline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor) or imipramine (Toframil).
Anti-Anxiety Medications
If you suffer from a diagnosed anxiety disorder, your doctor will most likely advise taking buspirone (Buspar), a widely used anti-anxiety medication. It can take several weeks for an anti-anxiety medication to become effective. According to the Mayo Clinic, lightheadedness is a common side effect that may occur shortly after taking it. Other side effects include headache, nausea, nervousness and insomnia.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, also referred to as benzos, are prescription sedatives used to decrease anxiety and help you calm down. Because they are highly concentrated and potentially habit-forming, the Mayo Clinic notes that they are only prescribed for a short duration, typically when anxiety symptoms are at their peak. Benzos are known to cause drowsiness, reduced muscle coordination, and cause problems with balance or memory. Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Vlaium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and alprazolam (Xanax).
About this Author
Shemiah Williams is a young but experienced writer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and technology and a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She serves as a subject matter expert in many areas of health, relationships and professional development. She writes for Demand Studios as a direct extension from her personal mantra turned blog: Dream Realized.
