Treatment Of Anxiety And Anxiety Disorders
The drugs most commonly used for treating anxiety and anxiety disorders are antidepressants. Then there are anxiolytic. Neuroleptics or atypical antipsychotics (or second generation) are also sometimes used for severe anxiety. Finally, some drugs have different functions and have demonstrated effectiveness for anxiety in searches are sometimes used.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Antidepressants are often preferred for the treatment of anxiety because, unlike the main anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, they do not cause addiction and dependence.
They are however a few weeks (4-12) before acting. Some people may even experience a temporary period of increased anxiety when antidepressant is started. Approximately one third of people stop taking them before they have been effective.
An antidepressant is sometimes used in combination with an anxiolytic, which has an immediate effect, to hasten the relief of symptoms. The anxiolytic may be removed after a few weeks and the antidepressant, which has minimal chances of long-term abuse can be prosecuted.
Anxiolytics
There are two types of anxiety medications: benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepine anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used anxiolytics. Their action reduces the communication between certain nerve cells, which reduces anxiety, improves sleep and relaxes muscles. They have an almost immediate effect.
Notable among the benzodiazepine:
- Temesta or Ativan (lorazepam),
- Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Valium (diazepam),
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
- The Serax (oxazepam)
- Rivotril or Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Restoril (temazepam)
- The Tranxene (clorazepate)
- The Valium or Lectopam (bromazepam)
- The Lysanxia (prazepam).
Valium, introduced in 1963, was the first benzodiazepine. Previously the main anxiolytics were barbiturates, which are almost required because of the dependency they create and their side effects more prominent.