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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually considered to be the drug of choice for anxiety disorder. It is believed that anxiety it is due to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. SSRI?s help to correct that balance. There are many SSRI?s that can be used for anxiety treatment.
With regard to anxiety disorders, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and fluvoxamine hold an FDA indication for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Paroxetine and sertraline have an indication for panic disorder. Sertraline is indicated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fluoxetine has been approved in a once-weekly dose for the treatment of depression, however the efficacy of once-weekly dosing in anxiety is yet unknown.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are typically used under specific circumstances. Venlafaxine is the only drug for anxiety in this class. Venlafaxine is usually used for anxiety if recommended by a mental health specialist.
The main adverse effects associated with SSRI include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sexual dysfunction, headache, insomnia and nervousness.
Drugs in the class
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine Oral Solution (Prozac Oral Solution)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Fluoxetine tablets or capsules (Prozac)
Paroxetine Oral Suspension (Paxil Suspension)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Citalopram Oral Solution (Celexa Solution)
Sertraline Oral Solution (Zoloft Oral Solution)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva) | 
