Anxiety Disorder Medications & Side Effects

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By Yvette Marie
eHow Contributing Writer

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Anxiety Disorder Medications & Side Effects

There are five types of anxiety disorders that affect approximately 40 million American adults. It is vital that the underlying cause of your anxiety is treated through psychotherapy, but in the meantime, medication can help alleviate the debilitating symptoms. Generally, anti-anxiety medications are well tolerated with few significant side effects. However, some medications do have potentially bothersome and even dangerous side effects, so it is important that you collect all the information you can before you begin drug therapy.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs affect the level and activity of the brain chemical serotonin, thought to be linked to anxiety. Side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, sleep disturbance, sedation, weight gain, gastrointestinal disturbance and irritability.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs block the brain enzyme monoamine oxidase, thus preventing the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine. Side effects include drowsiness, heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, fainting, tremors, muscle twitching, disorientation, irritability, weakness, chills and blurred vision.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs affect the levels and activity of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, gastrointestinal distress, urinary retention, weight gain, low blood pressure, sweating, tremors, confusion, delirium and cardiac distress in people with heart disease.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs affect the levels and activity of serotonin and norepinephrine. Side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nervousness, chills, sweating, insomnia, weakness, gastrointestinal upset, tremors, vision changes, abnormal dreams, high blood pressure, chest palpitations, rapid heart rate and suicidal thoughts.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines increase the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain, thus slowing the central nervous system and producing a more relaxed state. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset, trembling, fatigue, drowsiness, nightmares, chest pain, rapid heart rate, impaired coordination, confusion, slowed mental processing and memory impairment.

Azapirones

Azapirones increase serotonin and decrease dopamine in the brain. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth and gastrointestinal upset.