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Are there any prescription treatments for anxiety disorders?

An anxiety disorder is a state of excess worry that interferes with a person’s daily life. Several types of drugs can help people with anxiety disorders. Drugs in the benzodiazepine class are used most often. They work in the brain to relax the mind and body. Alprazolam (brand name Xanax), clonazepam (>Klonopin), diazepam (>Valium), and lorazepam (>Ativan) are examples of benzodiazepine medicines. Your doctor should supervise your care closely if you take one of these drugs, because they can lead to physical dependence.

Buspirone (>Buspar) is another medicine that is very effective in treating anxiety and is less likely to cause physical dependence than the benzodiazepines. It is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and again at bedtime.

Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (>Prozac), venlafaxine (Effexor), imipramine (>Tofranil), paroxetine (>Paxil), and sertraline (>Zoloft) are also used to treat anxiety disorders and are most helpful for people who have symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

Sources:
The American Psychiatric Press Textbook of Psychopharmacology. American Psychiatric Press Inc., 1998.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Leaman TL. “Anxiety Disorders”, Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice 26 (1999).
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Diseases and Conditions, “Social anxiety disorder (social phobia).” http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/11/2007.

This answer prepared 6/2/2000.
This information updated 1/11/2007.

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