There are several types of medications that can be used to treat anxiety, such as anxiolytics or antidepressants, for example, but they should only be used if recommended by the doctor, because many of them have side effects and can lead to addiction.
Before taking a drug treatment, one should first try to undergo therapy with a psychologist or take natural remedies such as Valerian , Ginkgo , Ginseng or Passiflora , for example.
The most prescribed over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of anxiety are:
1. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs widely used to treat anxiety, but they are usually used for a short period of time to avoid addictive and addiction problems.
Some of the most commonly used remedies are alprazolam , bromazepam , lorazepam , diazepam or clonazepam , for example.
Find out about the contraindications and side effects of each of these medications by consulting the package insert.
2. Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety, even in the absence of depressive symptoms, as the treatment of excessive anxiety is associated with processes that involve the same neurotransmitters as that of depression.
Medications that are usually prescribed to treat anxiety are sertraline , paroxetine or venlafaxine , for example.
Find out about the contraindications and side effects of each of these medications by consulting the package insert.
3. Beta-blockers
Unlike the previous ones, beta-blockers do not act on the brain and therefore are less effective, however they help to reduce anxiety symptoms such as tremors or rapid heartbeat, for example.
Examples of beta blockers are propranolol or nadolol , for example. Find out about the contraindications and side effects of each of these medications by consulting the package insert.
4. Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety. Learn how to use it, who should not take it and what side effects can be caused by this remedy .
5. Buspirona
Buspirone can also be used in the treatment of anxiety with or without depression, because it works in the brain by decreasing the release of substances that cause anxiety and increasing the substances that decrease it.
