We have already looked at some of the commonly used prescription medication (as for panic disorder) and we will look in further detail at the antidepressant medication in the section on treatment of depression.
Class of drug
Benzodiazepines:
- Ativan
- Librium
- Valium
- Serax
- Tranxene
- Xanax
Targeted problem
- GAD
- Panic Disorder
- Insomnia
Mechanism of action
Enhances function of GABA (?inhibitory' neurotransmitter)
Benefits
Fast-acting, often effective within the first week sometimes within the first day of treatment
Drawbacks
Habit-forming; can cause drowsiness; may produce withdrawal symptoms
Class of drug
Beta Blockers:
- Inderal
- Tenormin
Targeted problem
- Anxiety
- Mechanism of action
- Reduces effect of adrenaline
- Benefits
- Reduces physical symptoms: palpitation, sweating, tremor
Drawbacks
Should not be used with asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes, vascular disease, hyperthyroidism, and angina; lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate
Class of drug
Azaspirones:
- BuSpar
Targeted problem
- GAD
Mechanism of action
Enhances activity of serotonin
Does not potentiate alcohol effects
Drawbacks
Works slowly; cannot switch from benzodiazepines immediately
Class of drug
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):
- Nardil
Targeted problem
- Panic Disorder
Mechanism of action
Increased concentration of serotonin and noradrenaline in brain
Benefits
Effective for patients not responding to other medicines;
Drawbacks
Strict dietary restrictions and potential drug interactions; low blood pressure, moderate weight gain; reduced sexual response; insomnia2 - 6 weeks before improvement occurs
Class of drug
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SRIs):
- Celexa
- Lustral
- Seroxat
- Luvox
- Prozac
- Serzone
- Zoloft
Targeted problem
- Panic Disorder
- GAD
Mechanism of action
Affects the concentration of serotonin
Benefits
Non cardiotoxic; relatively safe in overdose
Drawbacks
Nausea; some cause nervousness/irritability; sexual difficulties; 2 to 6 weeks until improvement occurs
Class of drug
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs):
- Anafranil
- Lentizol
- Prothiaden
- Motival
- Surmontil
- Tofranil
- Gamanil
Targeted problem
- Panic Disorder
Mechanism of action
Regulates serotonin and /or noradrenaline in brain
Benefits
Drawbacks
Dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, difficulty urinating; dizziness, low blood pressure; moderate weight gain; sexual difficulties; 2 to 6 weeks until improvement occurs
Class of drug
Anticonvulsants:
- Neurontin
Targeted problem
Mechanism of action
Affects GABA
Benefits
Drawbacks
Sedation; may take 2-4 weeks to work
Adapted from Anxiety Disorders Association of America
Anxiety Disorder Medication
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