Medication for Anxiety & OCD

There are different medication options available, depending on what form of anxiety a person is suffering from and the severity of his condition. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often treated with SSRIs on a long-term basis.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medicines for anxiety and stress, and include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), SNRIs (seritonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), tricyclics and MAO-inhibitors.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers that are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders by depressing the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines can be addictive, causing "rebound anxiety" when it is stopped.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders by treating bodily symptoms such as heart palpitations and sweating, but they are less effective in treating the internal central nervous system's response to anxiety.

BuSpar

BuSpar is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders by diminishing generalized anxiety but does not affect the frequency or intensity of panic attacks. It is indicated to be helpful in augmenting SSRI medications for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and phobias.

Other

Sometimes when antidepressants and tranquilizers have been ineffective in treating anxiety, other drugs such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotics are prescribed. Though they are often prescribed for conditions such as bipolar disorder, they also have an antianxiety effect.

References

• The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook; Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D.; 2005