COMMON ANXIETY MEDICATIONS
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SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRIs)

SSRI's are a common antidepressant that is used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders. This form of medication works chemically by increasing a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. Neurotransmitters are a type of "messenger chemical that carries signals between nerve cells" inside the brain (NHS.uk). SSRIs are able to block the reuptake or reabsorption process done by nerve cells so that more serotonin is available to pass messages between neurons (or nerve cells). This helps to improve a person's mood and can even help with sleep.

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SEROTONIN-NOREPINEPHRINE REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SNRIs)
SNRIs are similar to SSRIs in that they are able to block the reuptake/ reabsorption of serotonin. This antidepressant is different from SSRIs because it is able to block another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. These types of chemical messengers are important for emotional regulation, and the imbalance of these chemicals are often connected to a variety of anxiety disorders. SNRIs are not only great way to assist patients in regulating their mood, but it is also "responsible for improving how people are able to respond to stress" as well as the "flight or fight response" ( Katharina Star, PhD ).

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BENZODIAZEPINES
Benzodiazepines are a short-term treatment option given to individuals who struggle with anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. This form of medication impacts the gamma-aminobutyric acid or "GABA neurotransmitter in the brain by slowing down the brain activity that is usually over-active in a person dealing with an anxiety disorder" ( Sheryl Ankrom & Steven Gans, MD). Benzodiazepines are also useful by assisting individuals who suffer from insomnia. It also aids patients to be able to think more clearly because their brain is in a more relaxed state.

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BETA-BLOCKERS
Beta Blockers or "beta-adrenergic blocking agents" are different from other medications in that they reduce the effects of adrenaline and the body's response to epinephrine. Epinephrine is a "neurotransmitter that plays a role in the fight-or- flight response" to stress (Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD & Megan Brown). Beta Blockers also differ in that they only treat the physical symptoms of anxiety disorders such as increased heart rate, sweating and tremors. By slowing down the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, individuals can feel more relaxed and experience fewer panic attacks. Although beta-blockers are short-term options for treating the physical symptoms for anxiety disorders, they can be used along with therapy to produce long-term results.

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ADVICE ON TAKING MEDICATION AND WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Choosing the right medication can be a trial- and-error process. If something does not work the first time, do not get discouraged. Just talk to your doctor about your options to choose the right treatment for you.

2. When it is your first-time taking anxiety medication, you may experience a few side effects such as change in appetite, sadness, isolation, etc. This may last up to 2 to 3 weeks, but it is usually short term so do not be afraid. Your body is just adjusting chemically, and you will eventually feel back to normal.

3. Taking your medicine regularly is especially important. Skipping on one dose can make you feel worse or out of balance.

4.Do not feel ashamed about using medicine as an aid to your anxiety disorder. Many times, people suffer from mental illnesses due to a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Medicine is used to correct that imbalance and give you extra help while you are in therapy.

5. Medication is not a cure-all to anxiety but when it is used along with therapy, it is a great way to reduce symptoms of anxiety

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References:

National Health Service (UK). "Overview:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)" https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ssri-antidepressants/ Accessed May 1. 2020

Star,Katharina PhD. Hughes,Grant MD. "Taking SNRIs for Treating Panic Disorder" https://www.verywellmind.com/serotonin-and-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-snris-2584366 Accessed May 1. 2020

Ankrom,Sheryl Gans,Steven MD. "Benzodiazepines for the Treatment of Anxiety" https://www.verywellmind.com/benzodiazepines-for-the-treatment-of-anxiety-2584334 Accessed May 1. 2020

Brown,Megan PharmD. Slowiczek,Lindsay. "Can Beta-Blockers Help Your Anxiety?" https://www.healthline.com/health/beta-blockers-for-anxiety#how-they-work Accessed May 1. 2020