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Anxiety Medications Chart – Page 1
Drug Class Brand Name Generic Name Target Anxiety Disorder How It’s Thought to Work Benefits Drawbacks Anticonvulsants Neurontin Gabapentin Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Affects GABA. Usually effective within 2-4 weeks. Sedation. Azaspirones BuSpar Buspirone Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Enhances the activity of serotonin Effective for many people; less sedating than benzodiazepines. Works slowly. Benzodiazepines (Used for Children) Ativan Centrax Dalmane Klonopin Halcion Librium Paxipam Restoril Serax Tranxene Valium Xanax Lorazepam Prazepam Flurazepam Clonazepam Triazolam Chlordiazepoxide Halazepam Temazepam Oxazepam Clorazepate Diazepam Alprazolam
GAD, SAD,
Panic Disorder Enhances the function of GABA. Fast-acting, some people feel better the first day. Potentially habit-forming; can cause drowsiness; can produce withdrawal symptoms; discontinuation should be done slowly. Beta Blockers Inderal Tenormin Propanolol Atenolol SAD Reduces ability to produce adrenaline Fast acting; not habit-forming. Should not be used with certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as : asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes, vascular disease, hypothyroidism and angina pectoris. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Eldepryl Marplan Nardil Parnate Selegilene Isocarboxid Phenelzine Tranylcypromine Panic Disorder, SAD, PTSD Blocks the effect of an important brain enzyme, preventing the breakdown of serotonin and noradrenaline. Effective for many people, especially for patients not responding to other medications; 2- weeks until improvement occurs. Strict dietary restrictions and potential drug interactions; changes in blood pressure, moderate weight gain; reduced sexual response; insomnia.
Anxiety Medications Chart – Page 2
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (Used for Children) Celexa Luvox Paxil Prozac Zoloft Citalopram Fluvoxamine Paroxetine Fluoxetine Sertraline Panic Disorder, OCD, SAD, GAD Affects the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical in the brain thought to be linked to anxiety disorders. Effective, with fewer side effects than other medications. 4- weeks until improvement ocurrs. Some people experience nausea, nervousness and diminished sex drive. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (Used for Children) Adapin Anafranil Aventyl Elavil Janimine Ludiomil Norpramin Pamelor Pertofrane Sinequan Surmontil Tofranil Vivactil Doxepin Clomiprimine Nortriptyline Amitriptyline Imipramine Maprotiline Desipramine Nortriptyline Desipramine Doxepin Trimipramine Imipramine Protriptyline Panic Disorder, PTSD, OCD (Anafranil only) Regulates serotonin and/or noradrenaline in the brain. Effective for many people, may take 2- 6 weeks until improvement ocurrs. Dry mouth; constipation; blurry vision; difficulty urinating; dizziness; low blood pressure; moderate weight gain; sexual side effects. Other Antidepressants Desyrel Effexor Serzone Trazodone Venlafaxine Nefaxadone Panic Disorder, OCD, SAD, GAD Affects the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical in the brain thought to be linked to anxiety disorders. Effective, with fewer side effects than other medications. 4- weeks until improvement ocurrs. Some people experience nausea, nervousness and diminished sex drive. Key: GAD = Generalized Anxiety Disorder OCD = Obsessive Compulsive Disorder PTSD = Post Traumatic Stress Disorder SAD = Social Anxiety Disorder Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Speak with your doctor if you have questions about a medication or are experiencing side effects from your medication. *-Retrieved: November 29, 2004
