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
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.
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.
Non-drug therapy includes Herbal Supplements known to help with anxiety disorders, regular exercise, healthy diet, and a healthy attitude.
Get comprehensive and objective information about all of the anxiety medications listed above, plus 9,000 other prescription and over-the-counter drugs from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the United States Pharmacopeia-- Go Here
