| ANXIETY MEDICATIONS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS |
Because everyone is chemically different, one anxiety medication may work better for you over another.
There are also side-effects which may accompany anxiety medications. These too should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor. DO NOT take a prescription drug for anxiety (also called anti-anxiety medications) without fully discussing your condition, the medication, medication alternatives, and side-effects with your doctor.
With that in mind, here is a list of of the most widely prescribed medications for anxiety that are currently approved in the U.S. by the FDA:
Valium
Xanax
Prozac
Paxil
Lexapro
Librium
BuSpar
Ativan
Zoloft
Diazepam
Ativan
Luvox CR
Fluvoxamine
Sertraline
Paroxetine
Klonopin
Clonazepam
Remeron
Mirtazapine
Escitalopram
Celexa
Citalopram
Cymbalta
Duloxetine
Tofranil
Norpramin
Desipramine
Valium, Xanax, and Librium are in the sedative category known as Benzodizepines. Valium was first widely prescribed in the 1960s during the peak of baby-boom motherhood. Valium became known as “mother’s little helper,” but also created something of widespread addiction among the middle class. Valium is prescribed less often today. Both Valium (and Lithium) have proven to be addictive.
Xanax (Alprazolam) and Ativan (Lorazepam) are more today’s anxiety sedative medications of choice for GAD, SAD, and anxiety disorders. Xanax and Ativan also carry addictive qualities. Your physician will closely monitor your use of Xanax. Using Xanax (Ativan, Valium and other Benzodizepines) for those who are deeply depressed is not recommended.
Many people with anxiety can get relief from anxiety herbal supplements. All natural homeopathic herbs are available in pill format. They are non-addictive and can often be substituted for anxiety prescription drugs. Take care to be sure you buy from a reputable company.
BuSpar (Busparone) is in the newer Azaspirone category and prescribed for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD.) BuSpar is of the newest approved anti-anxiety medications.
Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, and Zoloft are all SSRI antidepressants. Prozac was the first popular SSRI on the market in the 80s, Paxil next, then Zoloft. (As other competitors came along, Prozac became less prescribed. Although Prozac is more known as an anti-depressant, it has been widespread in its use as an anti-anxiety medication.
There are not necessarily habit forming qualities to Prozac but there are many known side-effects.) It is not recommended to suddenly stop using SSRI medications, especially Prozac and Paxil.