What Are Anxiolytics?
What are anxiolytics? The word itself is derived from two ancient Greek words: “anxio-” and “-lytic.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, the root word “anxio-” means “anxiety,” while the “-lytic” is a root that means “to loosen.” Together, they make the word “anxiolytic,” a term that is used today to refer broadly to medications that have an anti-anxiety effect.
What Are Anxiolytics Used For?
Anxiolytics are most commonly used to treat a wide range of anxiety disorders and related conditions. Some of the most common conditions anxiolytics may be used to treat include:
- • Generalized anxiety disorder
- • Panic disorder
- • Specific phobias
- • Social anxiety
- • Agoraphobia
Anxiolytics may also be used to treat related or co-occurring disorders or conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, insomnia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What Group of Drugs Are Anxiolytics?
Anxiolytic drugs fall into four primary categories: benzodiazepines, anti-depressants, tranquilizers, and beta-blockers.
However, these aren’t the only types of drugs that may have an anxiolytic effect. Other categories of drugs, including antihistamines, sedative-hypnotics, and barbiturates (the latter of which is no longer used for anxiety), can also have an anxiolytic effect.
What is An Example of an Anxiolytic Drug?
As noted above, there are four main categories of anxiolytic drugs. Examples of drugs that fall into each category are as follows:
- 1. Benzodiazepines: common examples include xanax (alprazolam), klonapin (clonazepam), valium (diazepam), and ativan (lorazepam)
- 2. Anti-depressants: anti-depressants that have an anxiolytic effect include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa); monoamine oxigenase inhibitors (MAOIs) like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan and Emsam; and certain tricyclic antidepressants
- 3. Tranquilizers: examples include buspirone (BuSpar), a medication that elevates serotonin and dopamine
- 4. Beta-blockers:beta-blockers such as propranolol are sometimes prescribed off-label to help treat performance or situational anxiety
Along with the drugs noted above, there are other medications that can also have an anxiolytic effect.
What Are the Most Common Anxiolytics?
The most common anxiolytics include benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and buspirone. These medications are frequently prescribed to manage anxiety disorders, either in the short term or the long term.
How Do These Anxiolytics Work?
SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin, making more of it available over time. Buspirone works by helping to balance dopamine and serotonin levels, helping to support mood and anxiety levels.
Benzodiazepines help activate the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces nervous system activity. Compared to SSRIs and buspirone, they also have a more immediate, rapid onset of action. For this reason, benzodiazepines are sometimes used to treat panic attacks. They are also used as muscle relaxants, to induce sedation or relaxation before surgery or medical procedures, and to help with alcohol withdrawal.
Side Effects of Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics can play a critical role in treating anxiety and related conditions, which can have significant potential in improving emotional, mental, and physical well-being. They also can make other forms of treatment, like therapy, more effective and successful. While not all anxiolytics will be effective for every person, because there are so many types of anxiolytics, there are many options a doctor and patient can attempt to find what will be most effective.
Side effects of anxiolytics will depend on the specific medication. Some common side effects may include sleepiness or slowed reaction time. Some classes of anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines, have the potential for addiction or abuse. Any changes to your medications should be shared with your doctor, so they can monitor for any potential concerns, interactions with other drugs, or changes in mood.