Antianxiety drug

Antianxiety drug is a type of pharmaceutical drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety. These drugs work by altering the chemical balance in the brain to promote feelings of calm and relaxation.

Types of Antianxiety Drugs

There are several types of antianxiety drugs, including:

• Benzodiazepines: These are the most commonly prescribed type of antianxiety drug. They include drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These drugs are often used to treat depression, but can also be effective for anxiety. They include drugs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These drugs are similar to SSRIs, but also affect the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. They include drugs such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

• Buspirone: This is a non-benzodiazepine antianxiety drug. It is less sedating than benzodiazepines and has a lower risk of dependency.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, antianxiety medications can have side effects. These can include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and dependency. It's important for patients to discuss these potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting a new medication.

See Also

• Anxiety disorder
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry