Types of Anxiety Medications
These stop nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a chemical that plays a vital role in mood regulation.
What are Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, blurry vision, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, dry mouth, feeling agitated or restless, headaches, sexual difficulties or erectile dysfunction, sleep problems
What are the side effects of SSRIs?
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Propranolol (Inderal).
What are Beta-blockers?
These are an older class of antidepressant. May be effective for the treatment of anxiety, doctors often prescribe SSRIs instead as they cause fewer adverse reactions.
TCAs
These medications work by reducing the brain’s reabsorption of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.
What are Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)?
Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, nausea, sexual problems or erectile dysfunction, sleep problems, sweating more than usual, stomach aches.
What are side effects of SNRIs?
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
What are Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)?
These are a common medication for people with high blood pressure and heart conditions. However, doctors may prescribe these off-label for anxiety in certain situations.
What are Beta-Blockers?
These medications work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin & norepinephrine. This increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
What are Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, headaches, loss of memory or concentration, issues with balance, coordination, or speech and an upset stomach
What are the side effects of Benzodiazepines?
Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), & Sertraline (Zoloft)
What are Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
This is a first-line drug treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
What are SSRIs?
A type of sedative that reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tense muscles. These drugs also encourage relaxation, and their effects take place quickly.
What are Benzodiazepines?
Cold hands and feet, depression, tiredness, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, sleep issues, and sexual problems.
What are the side effects of Beta-blockers?
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
What is Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Experts suggest that doctors do not prescribe this continuous use of these for more than 6 months.
What are Benzodiazepines?
These reduce the effects of norepinephrine, meaning that they can relieve some of the physical symptoms of anxiety.
What are Beta Blockers?
Blurry vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, drowsiness, increase in appetite, lightheadedness, low blood pressure after standing up, sexual problems or erectile dysfunction, sweating more than usual, tremors, and weight gain
What are the side effects of TCAs - Tricyclic antidepressants
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
What are Benzodiazepines?
These may be prescribed to treat some chronic pain conditions as well.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)