General considerations on anxiolytic and antidepressant medication

Pharmacological treatment may be an option to consider in the management of anxiety disorders, especially in cases of greater severity or when the symptoms are very disabling and significantly interfere with the person's life.

There are different types of medications that can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety.

Types of Medications Used

The main groups of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety include:

• Anxiolytics (Benzodiazepines): Medications such as diazepam, lorazepam or alprazolam. They act quickly to reduce anxiety and have a sedative effect. They are usually prescribed for short-term relief or in crisis situations due to their potential for dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use.

• Antidepressants: Certain types of antidepressants are very effective for the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders. The most commonly used are:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram. These are usually the first line of treatment due to their efficacy and safety profile.

• Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Such as venlafaxine or duloxetine. They are also effective for anxiety.

• Beta-blockers: These are sometimes used to control specific physical symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations or tremors, especially in performance anxiety situations (e.g., public speaking).

General Mechanism of Action

These medications act on brain chemistry, modulating the activity of neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood and anxiety, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or GABA.

The goal is to restore a neurochemical balance that helps reduce anxious symptoms.

It is important to note that antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) usually take several weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect, unlike benzodiazepines, which have a more immediate effect.