Anxiolytic



An anxiolytic is a drug prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety. Some anxiolytics have been shown to be useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders as have antidepressants such as the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Though not anxiolytics, oxprenolol can be used to combat the somatic symptoms of anxiety.

Types of anxiolytics

Anxiolytics are generally divided into two groups of medication, non-benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief of severe and disabling anxiety. Common medications are metabolites and adverse effects.

Non-benzodiazepines

See also: Nonbenzodiazepine

agonist. It lacks the sedation and the dependence associated with benzodiazepines and causes much less cognitive impairment. It may be less effective than benzodiazepines in patients who have been previously treated with benzodiazepines as the medication does not provide the sedation that these patients may expect or equate with anxiety relief.

Barbiturates

meprobamate exert an anxiolytic effect linked to the sedation they cause. The risk of abuse and addiction is high. Many experts consider these drugs as obsolete for treating anxiety, although they may be valuable for the short term treatment of severe insomnia.

Herbal treatments

Certain herbs, such as St. John's wort, valerian are reputed to have anxiolytic properties. With the exception of kava kava, only limited evidence exists for their efficacy.[1][2]

Use of marijuana as an anxiolytic has seen promising results in regions where its practical study is possible, but its status as a controlled substance in many countries make its study as such difficult.[citation needed]

Alternatives to medication

Psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive or behavior therapy) is often useful as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy or as an alternative to medication.

References

  • Albers, Lawrence; Rhoda Hahn, Christopher Reist (2001-2002). Handbook of Psychiatric Drugs. Laguna Hills, California: Current Clinical Strageties. 
  1. ^ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16428031&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_DocSum
  2. ^ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17145239&query_hl=3&itool=pubmed_DocSum

See also

v • d • e
Antihistamines
 
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