Do you know that anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million people in the United States? Anxiety disorder is defined as the persistent, excessive, and overwhelming feeling of worry.
Most people who are suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to go through their everyday lives because they fear that something bad will always happen. In severe cases, anxiety can trigger serious effects on people who are already suffering from illnesses like heart disease.
List of Anti-anxiety drugs
Because of the high number of people suffering from anxiety disorders, it should be no surprise that anxiety medications are some of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. We’ve compiled some of the most popular drugs used for anxiety disorders.
Some of the drugs in this list, however, are highly addictive. If you are experiencing substance addiction coupled with anxiety or mental health issues, Morningside Recovery is a drug rehab in Orange County that can help you address these addiction problems.
1. Xanax
Xanax is a brand name for the drug alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that is used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. While Xanax can be an effective medication for anxiety disorders, this drug has become notorious as a recreational drug and for being highly addictive. There are many references to Xanax in popular culture like rap songs, movies, and TV shows.
2. Valium
Diazepam is the generic name for the drug Valium. Aside from treating anxiety, Valium has also been used to treat muscle spasms, sleep problems, and alcohol withdrawal. People often compare Valium versus Xanax because they both belong in the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Just like Xanax, Valium also has a high addictive potential and is mostly abused by people wanting to relieve their stress from daily life.
3. Klonopin
Klonopin is also known by its generic name clonazepam. It is another benzodiazepine that is considered as one of the most addictive drugs. Because the effects of Klonopin set in more quickly, it is said to be more effective than other benzos like Valium. Many celebrities like Sarah Silverman and Lena Dunham have confessed to abusing the drug Klonopin.
4. Buspirone
Buspirone is a generic drug also known by its brand names BuSpar and Vanspar. This medication belongs to the class of drugs known as anxiolytics, which works by altering the amounts of chemicals in the brain. Buspirone is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms such as tension, dizziness, irritability, and fear.
5. Inderal
Inderal is a brand name for the drug propranolol which works by slowing down the person’s heart rate. This allows the heart to pump blood around the body more easily. Inderal is often prescribed as a short term relief for social anxiety as it can decrease symptoms of anxiety such as general tension and sweating. This drug has also been prescribed for people with public speaking fears and stage fright.
6. Prozac
Prozac is a brand name for the generic drug called fluoxetine which is a widely used antidepressant. It is a type of SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which may help improve the patient’s energy, sleep issues, and appetite. Improvements can be seen in about one to two weeks. While it is not considered chemically addictive, it is possible for users to develop psychological addiction and may take the drug believing that this is the only way for them to eat or sleep better.
7. Zoloft
Sertraline hydrochloride is the generic name of the brand-name drug Zoloft, which is also an SSRI drug. Zoloft is used to improve a person’s appetite, sleep, energy, and overall mood. Users report that it could help in decreasing fear, panic attacks, unwanted thoughts, and may be effective in treating social anxiety. Anxiety symptoms may decrease in the first week of taking Zoloft but it may take up to 6 weeks for the drug to take full effect.
8. Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine, also known by its generic name Effexor, is an antidepressant that is used to treat anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. While Venlafaxine is considered to be non-addictive, there are users who abuse the drug and take it recreationally. Effexor that is sold in the streets is also known by the street names miracle drug, happy pills, bottled smiles, and wonder drug.
9. Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is a generic drug that is used as a sedative for people suffering from anxiety disorders. This drug is an antihistamine that works by reducing the activity in the central nervous system. Hydroxyzine has calming properties and could cause drowsiness.
10. Gabapentin
Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication that is being used as an off-label medication for anxiety. Doctors prescribe gabapentin for anxiety due to the belief that it is a safer and non-addictive alternative to benzodiazepines.
Warning before taking anti-anxiety medications
Before taking anti-anxiety medications, you have to get a proper prescription from a medical professional. Do not take anxiety drugs that were prescribed to other people and avoid buying drugs from social media or illegitimate sources. There are many counterfeit anti-anxiety drugs being sold like fake Xanax bars that contain dangerous substances.
If you are feeling anxious, it is best to try out natural methods to calm anxiety before taking drugs. If you are suffering from substance addiction and anxiety disorders, get help today.
Contact Morningside Recovery by Lighthouse.
