Anxiolytics
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The term “anxiolytics” refers to prescription drugs used primarily for the treatment of anxiety disorders. They are also often referred to as “anti-anxiety” medications. The type of anxiolytics that is most frequently prescribed is benzodiazepines, which include medications such as Xanax and Valium. However, there are many other types of anxiolytics as well.
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Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people in every walk of life. Anxiety involves fearfulness, excessive worry, and apprehension. It can be very distressing and at times is debilitating. There are many different types of anxiety disorders including:
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Specific phobia (e.g. claustrophobia)
• Social phobia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Acute stress disorder
• Separation Anxiety disorder
• Substance-induced anxiety disorder
• Anxiety disorder due to a general medical condition
Anxiolytics should be only part of the treatment regimen for any type of anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy usually plays a significant role. Anxiolytics may be prescribed to help a person function well enough in order to participate in other aspects of his or her treatment. Anxiolytics alone only treat the symptoms of anxiety. Psychotherapy addresses the underlying issues and helps a person learn ways to control or manage the anxiety and things that may trigger it.
Unfortunately, many people who struggle with anxiety are often given only a prescription for an anxiolytic. While medication may provide temporary relief, without other treatment the anxiety symptoms usually typically return as soon as they discontinue the medication. This is one of the reasons medication should never be the primary or only type of treatment for any kind of anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines
While there are many different types of benzodiazepines, some of the most popular ones prescribed for anxiety include Ativan (lorazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Librium (chlordiazepoxide). Librium is also used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The benzodiazepines have a calming effect and tend to be sedating as well.
Benzodiazepines are popular because they are very fast acting. Often the effects are felt within an hour or two of taking the medication. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines are also frequently abused. They are generally meant for short term use only, as they can be highly addictive if taken for extended periods of time or in higher doses than prescribed.
Many people do become dependent on benzodiazepines, and if stopped suddenly, the withdrawal effects can be potentially dangerous. They should be prescribed with extreme caution if an individual has a history of substance abuse or dependence. They should only be taken under medical supervision, and the dose gradually decreased when the medication is being discontinued.
Common side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, cognitive impairment, nausea, clumsiness, short-term memory loss, disorientation, and dizziness.
Antidepressants
Many antidepressant medications are used in the treatment of anxiety. Although they are not fast-acting like benzodiazepines, they can be very effective. They are also not addictive. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft and Prozac are frequently prescribed for various types of anxiety, including OCD. Effexor, an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) is FDA approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Anafranil, an older tricyclic antidepressant, was the first drug approved for treating OCD. Clomipramine and imipramine, two other tricyclic antidepressants are also used at times to treat anxiety.
BuSpar
Essentially in a class of its own, BuSpar (buspirone hydrochloride), is another medication prescribed for people with generalized anxiety disorder. It doesn’t work quickly like the benzodiazepines, but it also doesn’t cause the sedation often associated with them.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are actually cardiac medications and include Inderal and Tenormin. They work to offset the effects of adrenaline, and can reduce anxiety symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and heart palpitations. People who struggle with performance anxiety sometimes take these before giving a speech or presentation, or for other similar types of anxiety-provoking situations.
Beta blockers are not addictive. However, they cause the heart to slow down and blood pressure to drop, which is why they should never be used without close medical supervision. Although these medications are occasionally prescribed for anxiety, they are not approved to treat it.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are occasionally used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety due to their sedating effect. They work fairly quickly and are effective for some individuals with anxiety.
