Four Common Anxiety Medications and Their Side Effects

The decision to use medication to deal with anxiety that is being experienced is not one that should be
taken lightly. It is important to consider the expected results, the length of time for the results to be
demonstrated and also take into account the potential adverse side effects that can be demonstrated
from the medications that have been chosen.

Learning about each type of medication and comparing the medications that are available can be an
effective way to ensure that the medication is going to be effective, without wreaking havoc on the
bodily systems.

Common medications that are used to treat anxiety include:

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorders, phobias and panic. These
medications can be an effective way to reduce the symptoms that occur with anxiety and are often
taken at the time that the symptoms are being experienced. Acting as a way to reduce the ‘edge’ that
comes with the panic, it can be an effective way to create a calm state once the beginning symptoms of
the onset of the panic attack are noted in the individual.

What are some of the side effects associated with benzodiazepines? Some of the common side effects
include drowsiness, lethargy or a decrease in their productivity as well as the inability to concentrate on
something for an extended period of time. Sexual side effects are common and some people experience
behaviors that they would not normally take part in as their impulses are amplified.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants are often prescribed in conjunction with benzodiazepines for cases of panic
that include social phobia and OCD. Using the combination of medications, the panic can be alleviated
but there are some side effects that are included with the course of antidepressants that are taken on a
daily basis as they are integrated into the routine.

Some of the common side effects that are associated with the regular use of Tricyclic antidepressants
include sexual side effects including the loss of sexual desire and it can take up to six weeks in order for
the patient to begin to notice the effects of the medication. The patient should be fully aware of the
risks of stopping the medication before the course is begun, so they can realize the severity that comes
with the photo.

SSRIs

SSRIs ensure that there are adequate levels of Seratonin in the brain and can therefore alleviate some of
the symptoms that are associated with panic disorder and for sufferers of anxiety disorders.

It is important to understand the adverse effects that are present with using SSRIs, including the fact
that it can take up to twelve weeks for the medication to become effective on the symptoms that are
being experienced. In addition, it is important for the patient to understand that there can be aggressive
withdrawal symptoms

Anticonvulsants

Current research has demonstrated the effectiveness of anticonvulsants in the treatment for sufferers of
panic disorder, unfortunately, there is a high risk of developing hepatotoxicity especially in the instance
that there is an underlying condition that may affect the liver function. It is important to complete a
thorough investigation of the health before the medication is prescribed to ensure that the instance of
adverse effects is going to be reduced.