Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and doxepin (Silenor) - off-label use Other medicationsīesides SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, other medications can also be prescribed to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies benzodiazepines as controlled substances, given their potential for abuse and addiction. When comparing this medication class to antidepressants, benzodiazepines act quicker in the body to reduce anxiety symptoms, but they should only be used for a short time. These medications work in the brain by indirectly enhancing the action of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect - which helps lower anxiety levels.Ī few commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are: SNRIs: Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and othersīenzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat some anxiety disorders as well as insomnia and seizures. SSRIs: Fluoxetine (Prozac), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), and others This broad class of medications includes, but is not limited to: It’s thought that serotonin and norepinephrine may influence mood through their activity in certain pathways in the brain. SNRIs also influence a brain chemical called norepinephrine. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered to be first-choice antidepressant medications to treat anxiety because of their effects on a brain chemical called serotonin. In this article, we’ll cover certain prescription medications and herbal supplements often used to treat anxiety and when they shouldn’t be used together.ġ of 6 Which medications can be used to treat anxiety?Īnxiety is highly treatable, and many medications - such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines - are FDA-approved to treat different types of anxiety disorders. Many people also turn to complementary and alternative medicine options - such as a meditation or mindfulness practice, smelling essential oils, and taking herbal supplements - to help manage their anxiety.īut, given the chance that herbal supplements may interact with certain prescription anxiety medications, there are concerns for safety when combining the two. There are different types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Ĭurrently, it’s recommended that anxiety disorders be treated with certain prescription medications and/or psychotherapy. Anxiety is a common feeling, but if that feeling is overwhelming or persists for more than 6 months, it could require medical attention. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the U.S., and it impacts nearly 1 in 5 adults every year.
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