Anxiety is a stunningly common mental health condition, with approximately 36% of adults experiencing symptoms in the United States. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. Other symptoms include: racing heart rate, muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms may be so severe as to interfere with daily activities or work or school obligations (e.g. performance anxiety triggering a panic attack before a presentation, or social anxiety preventing contributions in a class or meeting).
While therapy and lifestyle changes can certainly help manage anxiety and mitigate symptoms, medication is often a key part of treatment. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common types of medication used to treat anxiety.
1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a type of medication commonly used to treat both anxiety and depression. They increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety. A few examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are another type of medication commonly used to treat both anxiety and depression. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety. Examples of SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
3. Beta Blockers
While the brain certainly influences physical symptoms, so too can physical symptoms impact the brain. Beta blockers take advantage of this bi-directional relationship and work primarily at the heart muscle to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. Examples of beta blockers include propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). These medications are often used as needed for performance anxiety, commonly known as stage fright.
4. Buspirone
Buspirone is a type of medication that is specifically used to treat anxiety. It works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety. It has a fairly low side effect profile, with generally great effectiveness. Unlike benzodiazepine medications, buspirone does not cause sedation or impair cognitive function.
It’s important to note that medication alone is not always enough to effectively manage anxiety, and therapy and lifestyle changes may also be necessary. It’s also important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the right medication and dosage for your individual needs.
If you’d like to learn more, email info@stillwaterscounsel.com to schedule an appointment with Dr Katherine!
