Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and weight gain.
Common trycyclics used for anxiety disorders:
• Impramine (Tofranil)
• Clomipramine Hcl (Anafranil)
MAOIs
MAOIs are another type of antidepressants and are older than SSRIs and Trycylcics. The most common ones prescribed for anxiety include
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
One disadvantage to this type of medication is the interaction with certain types of food, such as cheese and red wine. Additionally, patients cannot take some medications including over the counter pain medications (Advil, Motrin and Tylenol), cold medications, certain birth control bills, allergy medications and some herbal supplements. Interactions with these food and medications can cause blood pressure to increase to dangerous levels.
In addition, MAOIs interfere with SSRIs and can cause hallucinations, confusion, muscle stiffness, seizures or changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
There are some medications specifically known as anti-anxiety medications. Side effects include drowsiness. Sometimes people will need higher doses as time goes on. Because of this, these are sometimes used for short periods of time. They also can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly.
Anti-anxiety medications used for social phobia are:
Beta Blockers
Beta-blockers are used to treat the physical symptoms often associated with social anxiety disorder. This type of medication can be helpful if there are specific social situations that cause anxiety and medication can be taken prior to the social encounter to prevent the physical symptoms.
Common Beta-blockers prescribed for anxiety:
• Propranolol (Inderal)
With all medications, you should be closely monitored by a physician and should discuss with your doctor all side effects. In addition, it is important to take medication exactly as prescribed.
Sources:
Anxiety Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, 2008
Medications for Anxiety, Helpguide.org
Social Anxiety Disorder, Elizabeth Querna, 2005, US News and World Report
