Anxiety is a natural emotion. It could be described as a reaction or response that is present in the body even when the damage or problem has not happened but is expected or assumed to occur. We have talked about anxiety in this article and, if you have not read it, we recommend that you read it (even if it is quickly) so that you know exactly what we are talking about. If you already know everything you need to know about anxiety, then go ahead, we will delve together into the world of medications that treat it… which, as you will see, are quite a few.
Synthetic drugs for anxiety
Anti-anxiety medication can be used alongside a series of treatments that take longer to work, such as certain relaxation techniques or psychological treatment. If you feel very unwell, it is possible to start with medication to control the condition first, and then, once the symptoms are under control, begin therapy. In any case, anti-anxiety medication must be prescribed by a doctor, since medical follow-up is necessary to evaluate the positive effects achieved and to monitor any adverse effects that may appear.
Among the medications used for anxiety, we find:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
SSRIs are antidepressants that help with anxiety symptoms and alleviate the depression that can sometimes accompany anxiety. They work by allowing a neurotransmitter called serotonin to be free to act between neurons, changing the neuronal response to a nervous stimulus. In this family, we find citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine or sertraline. They take several weeks to act, and cannot be stopped suddenly due to the risk of discomfort for the patient. Among their possible adverse effects, we find blurred vision, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, changes in body weight, erection problems, less sexual desire, problems falling asleep and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
Selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
These drugs release two neurotransmitters, serotonin and noradrenaline. This group includes venlafaxine and duloxetine. Their side effects are similar to those of SSRIs, but they also have side effects related to noradrenaline, such as increased blood pressure or sweating.
Tricyclic antidepressants
These were among the first antidepressants to be synthesized. The name comes from the three fused cycles that appear in their chemical structure. Among them we find amitriptyline, nortriptyline or imipramine. Their adverse effects can be bothersome and more frequent than in other groups of medications. These include dry mouth, drowsiness, urinary retention, constipation, erection problems, sweating, blurred vision and others, so it is understandable that they have been ousted by SSRIs. They are used in those patients in whom the previous groups of medications do not provide any improvement.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are used for short periods to provide relief from anxiety symptoms while antidepressants are ineffective or as a “rescue” for an anxiety attack that may occur. They are powerful relaxants and in cases of sudden onset anxiety, fast-acting and short-acting benzodiazepines are used, while others with a longer duration of action are used to facilitate sleep. They are addictive and habit-forming medications, so their use is highly controlled. A box of benzodiazepines is dispensed only with the corresponding prescription, which if it is on paper is always kept in the custody of the pharmacy. In this group we find alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide or lorazepam.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are drugs that act on the circulatory system and are classically used for hypertension or heart problems, but they are also used to control palpitations and hand tremors that sometimes appear in anxiety attacks. The most classic beta-blocker for this use is propranolol. Among its adverse effects we find symptoms related to cardiovascular control: cold hands and feet, low blood pressure, fatigue, sleep problems, shortness of breath and even depression due to the “low” they cause.
And even if all of these don’t work well, there are still buspirone, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, some anti-epileptics like pregabalin… there are options, the important thing is that you start with the treatment prescribed to you and take it as prescribed to see if it works or not. The maximum effect of antidepressants can take a few weeks to appear, so it is important not to stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor.
Natural medicines for anxiety
Natural medicines for anxiety can be very useful in transient cases of adaptive anxiety, or even as a complement to the usual medication in a patient with a generalized anxiety disorder. Among the medicinal plants most commonly used to calm anxiety symptoms are:
California poppy ( Eschscholzia californica Cham)
It should not be confused with the poppy, which is the plant from which opium is extracted. The flowering tops of the California poppy are rich in alkaloids that give it sedative, anxiolytic and antispasmodic properties. It can be used to relieve anxiety, to help with sleep, and even for headaches and sensitivity to changes in the weather.
Hawthorn ( Crataegus sp)
The leaves, flowers and fruits of the hawthorn have shown activity on the heart’s muscle cells and have a calming effect, making it a good option for people who suffer from anxiety and the sensation that their heart is beating faster or harder. However, it is important to make sure that there are no other heart problems before using this plant.
Passionflower ( Passiflora incarnata L)
Passionflower has anxiolytic, tranquilizing and antispasmodic activity. It is very good in cases of restlessness, anxiety and difficulty falling asleep, and its anxiolytic activity has been validated in more than one clinical study.
Hops ( Humulus lupulus )
Hop flowers (the same ones that give flavor to beer) have traditionally been used as a tranquilizer, to relieve symptoms of mental stress, and to facilitate sleep.
