After being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, many patients are given a prescription for some form of medication. Often this treatment is only intended to ease symptoms temporarily during the time a patient is engaged in cognitive behavioral therapy or psychological counseling. Long term medication is generally recommended only after other forms of therapy have failed. In either case, a drug’s effectiveness at easing symptoms must be balanced against its unintended consequences. Some side effects of commonly prescribed anxiety medications are described below.
Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers that can aid in relaxation. They boost the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. Alcohol also enhances GABA and this explains why many of the side effects of benzodiazepines are also associated with drunkenness. They include slurred speech, clumsiness, drowsiness, forgetfulness, confusion and poor judgement. As with alcohol, the higher the dose, the greater the impairment.
Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in the treatment of panic attacks and depression accompanied by anxiousness. They act as mood enhancers by raising levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Their interaction with the nervous system can result in a number of unwanted consequences. These include a dry mouth, increased sweating, constipation, difficulty urinating, temporarily blurred vision, erectile failure, weight gain and elevated heart rate.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are often prescribed to treat anxiety in cases where other drugs have been unsuccessful. They elevate levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by blocking an enzyme that normally destroys them. Unfortunately, they also raise levels of a compound called tyramine. Excess tyramine can result in raised blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. A dose of MAOIs can be fatal when combined with foods high in tyramine or with certain other medications.
Beta blockers have no effect on the psychological component of anxiety. Rather, they reduce its physical manifestations by blocking the release of adrenaline. They are used to control panic symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, trembling, tightness in the chest, sweating and hot flushes. Daily use of beta blockers could result in slowed heartbeat, constant tiredness, diarrhea or nausea and numbness in the hands and feet.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs include popular antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft. They increase the concentration of the neurotransmitter serotonin and are used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and general anxiety. Ironically, for some people, SSRIs actually increase feelings of worry, panic and agitation rather than reducing them. Adverse effects associated with SSRIs include loss of appetite, impaired sexual function, nausea, blurred vision and dizziness.
Sometimes the side effects of a medication are severe, prolonged or more problematic than the anxiety problems the drug was meant to treat. In these situations a doctor will often recommend a lower dosage. If that fails to help, a different type of medication may be prescribed.
For any persons who require help in controlling stress, anxiety medications may provide relief. An anxiety cure is possible, but must be closely monitored to avoid negative side effects.