Drugs Used to Treat Anxiety Disorders
Drug |
Uses |
Some Side Effects |
Comments |
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Benzodiazepines |
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Alprazolam Chlordiazepoxide Clonazepam Clorazepate Diazepam Lorazepam Oxazepam |
Sleepiness, memory problems, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction time May lead to drug dependence |
Most commonly used type of antianxiety drug Promote mental and physical relaxation by reducing nerve activity in the brain Begin to work quickly, sometimes within an hour Should not be used by people with an alcohol use disorder |
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Buspirone |
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— |
Dizziness and headache |
Does not cause drowsiness or interact with alcohol Does not lead to drug dependence May take several weeks to start working |
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Antidepressants* |
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SSRIs (such as escitalopram) SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) MAOIs TCAs (such as clomipramine) |
See table Drugs Used to Treat Depression |
See table Drugs Used to Treat Depression |
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* Not all of the antidepressants listed work for all of the uses that are listed. MAOI = monoamine oxidase inhibitor; SNRI = selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; TCA = tricyclic antidepressant. |
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