While feeling anxious about work, family, school or a big event is completely normal, consistent anxiety is unusual and may lead to depression, as anxiety is a common stress reaction. In some cases, feeling anxious is beneficial to one's safety, by preparing the body for action, especially in dangerous situations.
Anxiety can affect how one handles normal daily activities. It’s also possible to feel anxiousness or fear while facing different life experiences, objects, or moments.
According to Carmen Katsarov, a social worker and executive director of behavioral health integration with CalOptima Health, anxiety disorder is the most common mental health condition in the U.S. with about 40 million people suffering from this disorder.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a reaction to stress characterized by worry and feelings of tension. Infrequent episodes are not bad, but consistent occurrences could interfere with one's daily life activities and lead to anxiety disorder, and depression.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), an estimated 30% of adults are affected by anxiety disorder at some point in life.
There are two possible ways of managing anxiety which include; medication and therapy. Treatment is the best option for those with anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorder can be categorized according to what triggers its occurrence. They include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, specific phobias, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and selective mutism.
Medication for Anxiety and Depression
There are several medications prescribed by healthcare providers to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are the most commonly used anxiety medications and they include;
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRI is an anxiety medication that blocks the reabsorption of serotonin; a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Though the working mechanism of SSRI in managing anxiety disorder and depression is not fully understood, it is a first-line treatment for many anxiety disorders.
Side effects include; diarrhea, constipation, nausea and sometimes sexual dysfunction.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work to prevent the reuptake of serotonin like SSRIs. SNRIs also prevent the reabsorption of norepinephrine, which may lead to an increased level of norepinephrine in the brain.
Side effects of SNRIs can include increased restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, potential sexual dysfunction, and headaches.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a long-term medication for anxiety and one of the first classes of medications for the treatment of anxiety. It is an antidepressant that acts on five different neurotransmitter pathways, including blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine.
However, they affect other body chemicals like histamine and alpha receptors that may lead to various side effects like sedation, unusual weight gain, dry mouth, and, arrhythmias.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines is a short-term anxiety medication that works to increase the activities of the receptors for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid responsible for preventing neuron activity. This in turn slows down the activities of the brain and nervous system.
With a high potential for abuse and dependence, Benzodiazepines are not to be used by individuals who have a history of addiction or drug abuse.
Other Medications For Anxiety
- Buspirone
- Mirtazapine
- Propranolol
- Hydroxyzine
- Beta Blockers
The Bottom Line
Medication for anxiety and depression can help manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders. However, if you do not have enough guidelines on how to use anxiety medications, it makes sense to consult a medical doctor for advice. Medications, when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes, can provide effective relief to anxiety and depression.