Anxiety is a normal response to certain situations. However some people suffer from particularly intense symptoms, or anxiety that interferes with their normal daily life or occurs with no particular reason. These types of problems are termed anxiety disorders. Psychological therapies should preferably be the first port of call for these problems and learning relaxation techniques can prove very helpful, however your doctor may also sometimes prescribe medicines such as those below to help. Don't forget this is only a guide – talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you've any questions about treatment.
These may be prescribed if a person is suffering from depression as well as anxiety. However certain antidepressants have also been shown to be effective specifically for helping people with particular types of anxiety disorder, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder or OCD.
- Cipralex (escitalopram)
- Cipramil (citalopram)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Efexor XL (venlafaxine)
- Lustral (sertraline)
- Manerix (moclobemide)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Seroxat (paroxetine)
These medicines work by 'calming down' the nerve activity in the brain. However, your body quickly becomes tolerant to them and they can be addictive, so they are only prescribed for anxiety that is severe, disabling, or causing the person extreme distress. They make you sleepy so can also help with sleeping problems that are related to the anxiety. They should not be used for longer than two to four weeks, including a period where the dose is gradually reduced.
Other medicines for anxiety
Buspirone is widely used for anxiety - it has fewer problems with tolerance and dependence than the benzodiazepines.
Beta-blocker medicines such as propranolol and oxprenolol reduce some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tremor, palpitations or a racing heartbeat. Although the beta-blockers don't treat the anxiety specifically, for some people the reduction in these physical symptoms also reduces worry, tension and fear.
Pregabalin is a newer medicine that may be tried for generalised anxiety disorder if antidepressants aren't effective or aren't tolerated.
Meprobamate, although still licensed for anxiety, is no longer recommended.
Some antipsychotics, such as trifluoperazine, may be used for short periods for their sedative effect in severe anxiety.
- Beta-prograne (propranolol)
- Inderal LA (propranolol)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Slow-Trasicor (oxprenolol)
- Stelazine (trifluoperazine)
- Syprol (propranolol)