SSRIs are among the most frequently sold drugs in Australia. Sertraline (sold under the brand name Zoloft) and escitalopram (Cipralex and Lexapro) are both among Australia's 10 most commonly prescribed medications.
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to speak with a pharmacist who can answer your questions about medicines. For support and information about anxiety and medicines used to treat anxiety, visit Beyond Blue. To speak to a crisis counsellor, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
This class includes sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine. SSRIs are: the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in Australia. often a doctor's first choice for most types of depression.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
From 1 February 2014 alprazolam will become a Schedule 8 (S8) medicine in all Australian States and Territories. This step has been taken due to the growing level of misuse of alprazolam and concerns for the safety and wellbeing of those who take it.
Anxiety disorders (such as Social Phobia) are the most common type of disorder, affecting 1 in 6 (17%, or 3.3 million) Australians, followed by Affective disorders (such as Depressive Episode) (8%), and Substance Use disorders (such as Alcohol Dependence) (3. %).
SSRIs and SNRIs, the first-line medications for anxiety, are considered safer alternatives to non-controlled substances. Anxiety disorders are the most common group of psychiatric disorders in both adults and adolescents.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Generally a short-term treatment, CBT focuses on teaching you specific skills to improve your symptoms and gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety.
A second therapeutic candidate, LYT-310 (oral cannabidiol), is expected to enter the clinic in Q4 of 2023.
MM-120. The FDA has approved a phase 2b study of an optimized form of LSD for the treatment of anxiety. The drug, called MM-120, is being developed by MindMed and is intended to treat generalized anxiety disorders and other mental conditions. MindMed is expected to begin clinical trials in 2022.
The most commonly suggested prescription anxiety medications in Canada are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as. Citalopram (Celexa), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), and Escitalopram (Lexapro).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Generally safe with a low risk of serious side effects, SSRI antidepressants are typically recommended as the first choice of medications to treat panic attacks.
Prozac and Zoloft are both effective at treating anxiety. You may notice an improvement in your anxiety in as little as 2 weeks. But since your healthcare provider may increase your dose over several weeks, it can take 1 to 2 months before you feel full effects.
In Australia, one in 14 children and young people (4 -17 years) experience an anxiety disorder.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may use a detailed questionnaire to do this. The more detailed your answers about what you're experiencing, the better. You may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder if your symptoms are affecting your ability to function.
High-functioning anxiety is not an official diagnosis, but describes those who to the outside world, seem to cope well with life. They are often successful in many areas of their lives; high-performing, achievement-oriented, perfectionistic and highly motivated.
The most common benzodiazepines prescribed in Australia are temazepam, nitrazepam, diazepam, oxazepam and alprazolam. Other benzodiazepines available are bromazepam, clobazam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, and triazolam.
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time.
Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram).
Sertraline tablets are used to treat depression, social anxiety disorder or social phobia, and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. Sertraline tablets are marketed in Australia under multiple brand names such as Zoloft, Eleva, Sertra, APO-sertraline, Sertraline Sandoz and Setrona.
Efficacy for clinical depression
Zoloft's minor side effects and reliable efficacy make it the most prescribed medication to treat depression. Clinical depression is fairly common, affecting between 5-8% of the United States' adult population every year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.