Conventional medicines can be prescribed by doctors to treat or manage anxiety. These medicines may cause depletion of certain nutrients. Following is a list of common conventional medicines that may be used for anxiety:

Benzodiazepines – Anti-anxiety drugs, which act as mild to moderate tranquilizers, are the most common medications prescribed. The side effects of these drugs are a decline in mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination, particularly in the early phases of treatment. These include:

• Alprazolam – Brand name, Xanax^®
• Clonazepam – Brand name, Klonopin^®
• Diazepam – Brand name, Valium^®
• Lorazepam – Brand name, Ativan^®

Non-benzodiazepines – An anti-anxiety drug occasionally prescribed is:

• Buspirone – Brand name, Buspar^®. This drug acts has a taming affect but is devoid of anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. One potentially harmful side effect of this drug is the possibility of acute and chronic changes in dopamine-mediated neurological function.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s ) – Often prescribed to treat generalized anxiety and panic attacks. These include:

• Fluoxetine – Brand name, Prozac^®
• Paroxetine – Brand name, Paxil^®
• Venlafaxine – Brand name, Effexor^® (serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's), Tricyclics, and Tetracyclics may also be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety disorders on a trial and error basis—that is, if those above are not successful.

A host of potential side-effects (or symptoms of withdrawal) accompany the use of all of these drugs. Some of the most serious of these are:

• Development of drug dependency
• Development of suicidal tendencies
• Sustained increase in blood pressure (hypertension)
• Anxiety (ironically enough)
• Asthenia – loss of bodily strength
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Rash
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Somnolence – sleepiness or a lack of energy and activity¹¹

According to the Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, specific nutrient depletion from use of these drugs has not been documented.¹² 

Additional Information about Anxiety

1. Anxiety Overview
2. Common symptoms of anxiety
3. Common causes of anxiety
4. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for anxiety
5. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of anxiety
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for anxiety

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Article ID: 338