Anxiety Medication Names: Common Options Explained

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, commonly known as SSRIs, are a popular class of medications used to treat anxiety and depression. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Some common anxiety medication names in this category include:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, or SNRIs, are another class of medications that can be effective for anxiety. They work by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Common anxiety medication names in this group include:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that are often prescribed for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms. They work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain. Some well-known anxiety medication names in this category are:

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Buspirone (Buspar)

Buspirone, marketed as Buspar, is an anti-anxiety medication that is not chemically related to benzodiazepines. It is often used for chronic anxiety and works by affecting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. It is considered a safer long-term option among anxiety medication names due to its lower risk of dependency.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic Antidepressants are older medications that can also be effective for anxiety. They work by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Some common anxiety medication names in this category include:

• Amitriptyline
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are primarily used to treat heart conditions, but they can also help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and tremors. Propranolol (Inderal) is a well-known anxiety medication name in this category.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines, such as Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax), are sometimes prescribed for anxiety due to their sedative properties. They can provide short-term relief from anxiety symptoms without the risk of dependency associated with benzodiazepines.

Atypical Antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics, like Quetiapine (Seroquel), are sometimes used off-label to treat anxiety disorders. They can help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety symptoms, making them a potential option among anxiety medication names.

Other Medications

In addition to the aforementioned categories, other medications may also be prescribed for anxiety. Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Pregabalin (Lyrica) are examples of medications that can help manage anxiety symptoms, particularly in individuals with co-occurring conditions.

Is it OK to drink alcohol while taking cephalexin?

Mixing cephalexin and alcohol may not directly affect the drug's effectiveness, but can lead to exacerbated side effects like nausea, vomiting, and indigestion, and can interfere with the immune system. Chronic alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, which might hinder the body's ability to fight infections.

What should you avoid while taking cephalexin?

Do not take cefalexin at the same time as zinc supplements or anything with zinc in it. This is important because zinc may reduce the amount of cefalexin in your body, meaning the medicine cannot work as it's meant to.

Is cephalexin a strong antibiotic?

Cephalexin remains an effective and highly useful antibiotic for the treatment of streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections. Twelve years of experience have not diminished its efficacy, and cure rates of 90% or higher continue to be achieved.

What happens if you drink alcohol on antibiotics?

Antibiotics and alcohol can cause some of the same side effects. These include stomach upset, dizziness and drowsiness. Mixing antibiotics and alcohol can make these side effects worse. A few antibiotics should not be mixed with any amount of alcohol.

If you liked it and want to know more content similar to Anxiety Medication Names: Common Options Explained. Visit our category Diseases