List of Anti Anxiety Drugs
July 2, 2009

You can find the best Anti Anxiety Drug for you on this Anti Anxiety Drug List.

There are a lot of Anxiety Drugs, known officially as Anxiolytics, on the market today. Traditional antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), azapirones, and benzodiazepines are all options for a qualified mental health professional to make part of an aggressive level of treatment. Anxiety Drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional, and course of treatment should only be altered after discussion with your doctor.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

The long name “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors” is almost invariably shortened to SSRIs. SSRI’s are Anxiety Drugs that elevate the level of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs are considered to be safer than older anti-depressants, since much more is required to be toxic and they generally have fewer side effects and drug interactions. Citalopram (more commonly known as Celexa), escitalopram, fluoxetine (more commonly known as Prozac), cluvoxamine maleate, paroxetine (more commonly known as Paxil), and sertraline (more commonly known as Zoloft), are all SSRI’s.

The main funciton of SSRI’s is to treat clinical depression, as it is the most common psychological ailment that it can be taken for. However, they are almost as commonly used as Anxiety Drugs. To a lesser extent, SSRI’s are also sometimes taken for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), eating disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and even premature ejaculation in some cases, though the manufacturers do not specifically indicate the last two. They work by making sure that neurons recognize serotonin present before it is discarded, by keeping it in the gap between neurons longer and preventing its ‘reuptake’. While SSRIs are not generally considered to be addictive, patients who stop taking them do sometimes develop “SSRI discontinuation syndrome”. Compared to most actually addictive drugs, the symptoms are entirely different and far less severe. SSRIs should never be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors is another long name for Anxiety Drugs that is usually just shortened, to MAOIs. MAOIs are also primarily used as antidepressants, with attendant anti-anxiety effects. Isocarboxazid (more commonly known as Marplan), Moclobemide (more commonly known as Aurorix), Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Selegiline, and Harmala (which is present in tobacco), are all types of MAOIs.

MAOIs were originally prescribed to those who were resistant to tricyclic antidepressant therapy. Newer MAOIs now, though, are used as a front-line therapy. MAOIs inhibit, either permanently (until the body replaces) or temporarily, the activity of monoamine oxidase, which normally breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters (like seratonin). When these neurotransmitters are not broken down, they are more active in the brain, increasing the total amount of those neurotransmitters in the brain, which can correct for chemical imbalances. They should not be taken in conjunction with SSRIs, because taking them together can lead to Serotonin Syndrome which can lead to cognitive effects including coma, autonomic effects including tachycardia and heart attack, and somatic effects including hyperreflexia.

Traditional Antidepressants

Many traditional antidepressants, such as tri-/tetracyclic antidepressants, that are available today have anti-anxiety effects separate from their anti-depressant attribute. These types of medication also generally have immediate effects, as opposed to having to be taken for a period of time before becoming effective. Barbituates were once used as Anxiety Drugs, but are now considered an obsolete form of treatment because of the risk of substance abuse and other side effects. They are generally only used when short term assistance with sleeping is required. If Central Nervous System (CNS) sedation is needed, rather than barbituates, Benzodiazepines are generally used. They can cover the period during the beginning of SSRI or MAO inhibitor treatment during which the medicine is still latent and is not affecting the patient. However, longer term use than recommended by a health professional could cause various side effects, including sever anxiety and psychosis, so great care should be exercised.

Side Effects, Dangers, and Alternatives

Pharmacological solutions, whether they’re SSRIs, MAOIs, or traditional antidepressants, should only be undertaken with strong supervision. All drugs have potential side effects, so all issues should be discussed with a qualified mental health professional. Some patients cease taking medication on their own, without consulting with a professional, however, this is very dangerous; many people claim to do this because the drugs ‘cloud’ their minds, but SSRIs are known to on occasion create ‘mental fog’, and with discussion with a qualified mental health professional, an alternative course of action can be taken. Beyond MAOIs, SSRIs and traditional antidepressants, there are also some herbal remedies that can help.

Xanax Discussion - Information regarding the usage of Xanax and other benzodiazepines for the treatment of Panic Disorder.

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