Anxiety medications

There are two types of medication for anxiety: those that treat anxiety when it manifests itself and those that prevent excessive anxiety when someone has frequent bouts of anxiety. Both have their role in eradicating anxiety disorders.

Medications that treat acute anxiety are usually called anxiolytics. They tend to be fast acting medications (usually working within an hour) to achieve rapid relief for someone who is acutely anxious. Examples of these medications include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and others. Although these medications have some abuse potential and can have withdrawal effects if used for several weeks at high doses few people actually develop problems from the use of these medications. They can be used only when the person needs anxiety relief or daily to control chronic anxiety.

Other medicines are used to prevent anxiety episodes or to control chronic anxiety on a daily basis. The medicines most often used for this are the selective serotinin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which were discussed in the entry on anti-depressants. Along with other findings, the fact that these medications control both anxiety and depression is making psychiatrists believe that depression and anxiety are similar dysfunctions of brain function. Exmaples of these medications include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others. Other medications that work through other mecanims but are effective foe anxiety include BuSpar, Effexor, Neurontin, and several others.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

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