"Anxiety Treatment Guide." This article will walk you through the treatment options for GAD.
SSRIs
The most commonly prescribed type of medication for anxiety and GAD is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These drugs are commonly referred to as “antidepressants” and are effective at helping people reduce their experience of anxiety. Essentially, these help the brain change the way serotonin (a chemical that affects mood and anxiety) is processed. Some common brand names for SSRIs are Lexapro, Zoloft and Celexa.
SNRIs
Another frequently prescribed type of medication for GAD is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These medications also effect how serotonin is processed in the brain, but also includes a change in norepinephrine, another chemical that is involved in our experience of anxiety and different mood states. Some common brand names of SNRIs are Effexor and Cymbalta.
Benzodiazepines
A third class of drugs that is prescribed for anxiety are benzodiazepines. These drugs are somewhat different since they are often taken during an anxiety-provoking time, although they are sometimes prescribed for daily use. They are also used to help people with panic and sleep problems. Common drugs in this class are Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan.
Who Can Prescribe?
If you are interested in medication as a treatment for GAD, it is best to consult with a psychiatrist. This type of professional is a medical doctor that specializes in treatment of mental disorders. Many psychiatrists have different approaches to medication, just like psychologists may approach counseling differently, so finding a person that you are comfortable with and trust is very important. All medical doctors and some nurse practitioners can prescribe these anxiety medications as well."Types of Treatment Professionals." Read this article for a more in-depth discussion on what type of doctor or medical professional you will want to find for anxiety treatment.
"Making the Most of Therapy for GAD." If you are going to counseling as well, then this article will give you tips on getting the most out of your experience.
"5 Things About Anxiety to Discuss with Your Doctor." When you are experiencing anxiety and looking to get some help, have these questions handy for your treatment professional.
