Drugs to treat anxiety are more widely available than ever, and the choices can sometimes seem overwhelming. Having all of those choices offers one great benefit, however – you are much more likely to find a medication that will be effective for your unique situation. Drugs for anxiety are classified by how they work in the body to combat anxiety, and there are typically several brands within each category.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Originally used to treat depression, SSRIs are often effective in treating anxiety as well. Common SSRI medications include Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. SSRIs work to block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain.
Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are similar to SSRIs, but in addition to blocking reabsorption of serotonin, they also block reabsorption of norepinephrine. Common SNRIs are Cymbalta, Effexor, Pristiq and Remeron.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs work the same as SNRIs by blocking serotonin and norepinephrine reabsorption, allowing these chemicals be more available for use in the brain. TCAs have mostly been replaced by newer treatments with fewer side effects. Common TCAs include Norpramin, Pamelor, Surmontil, Tofranil and Vivactil.
Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)
NDRIs block the reabsorption of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Common brand names include Wellbutrin and Trazadone. Wellbutrin has also been shown to help with smoking cessation.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, an enzyme whose job is removing serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine from the brain. It tackles the process of removal instead of blocking absorption, working in a completely different manner than other medications but still achieving the same results. MAOIs include Emsam, Nardil and Parnate.
Each classification of these drugs to treat anxiety offers a different way of accomplishing the same thing – keeping feel-better chemicals more readily available in your brain. Because they all take different approaches, some may be effective where others are not, giving you many treatment options and a better chance of being symptom free.
