Anxiolytic
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An '''anxiolytic''' is a [[Medication|drug]] prescribed for the treatment of [[symptom]]s of [[anxiety]]. Some anxiolytics have been shown to be useful in the treatment of [[anxiety disorder]]s as have [[antidepressant]]s such as the class of [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] (SSRIs).
Though not anxiolytics, [[beta-receptor blocker]]s such as [[propranolol]] and [[oxprenolol]] can be used to combat the [[somatic]] symptoms of anxiety.
==Types of anxiolytics==
Anxiolytics are generally divided into two groups of medication, [[benzodiazepine]]s and [[non-benzodiazepine]]s.
===Benzodiazepines===
*''Main article: [[Benzodiazepine]]''
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief of severe and disabling anxiety. Common medications are [[lorazepam]] (Ativan), [[clonazepam]] (Klonopin), [[alprazolam]] (Xanax), and [[diazepam]] (Valium). Benzodiazepines may also be indicated to cover the latent periods associated with the medications prescribed to treat an underlying anxiety disorder. They are used to treat a wide variety of conditions and symptoms and are usually a first choice when short-term [[Central nervous system|CNS]] [[sedation]] is needed. Longer term uses include treatment for severe anxiety and [[psychosis]]. There is a risk of [[withdrawal]] symptoms and rebound syndrome after continuous usage past two weeks. There is also the added problem of the accumulation of drug [[metabolite]]s and adverse effects.
===Serotonin 1A agonists===
[[Buspirone]] (BuSpar) is a [[serotonin]] 1A [[agonist]]. It lacks the sedation and the [[Addiction|dependence]] associated with [[benzodiazepines]] and causes much less cognitive impairment. It may be less effective than benzodiazepines in patients who have been previously treated with benzodiazepines as the medication does not provide the sedation that these patients may expect or equate with anxiety relief.
===Barbiturates===
[[Barbiturate]]s and [[meprobamate]] exert an anxiolytic effect linked to the sedation they cause. The risk of abuse and addiction is high. Many experts consider these drugs as obsolete for treating anxiety, although they may be valuable for the short term treatment of severe insomnia.
===Hydroxyzine===
[[Hydroxyzine]] is an old [[antihistamine]] originally approved for clinical use by the FDA in 1956. It possesses anxiolytic properties in addition to its antihistamine properties and is also licensed for the treatment of anxiety and tension. It is also used for its sedative properties as a premed before anesthesia or to induce sedation after anesthesia.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.medicinenet.com/hydroxyzine/article.htm|title= hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax)|accessdaymonth= 17 May|accessyear= 2008|author= medicine net|publisher= medicinenet.com}}</ref>
===Herbal treatments===
Certain herbs, such as [[Valerian (herb)|valerian]], [[kava]] (Kava Kava), [[German Chamomile|chamomile]], [[Kratom]], [[Blue Lotus]] extracts, [[Sceletium tortuosum]] (kanna) and [[bacopa monniera]] are reputed to have anxiolytic properties. With the exception of kava kava, only limited evidence exists for their efficacy.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16428031&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_DocSum Herbal remedies for anxiety - a systematic review ...[Phytomedicine. 2006] - PubMed Result<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17145239&query_hl=3&itool=pubmed_DocSum Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-a...[Am J Med. 2006] - PubMed Result<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
A team from Brazil found [[cannabidiol]] (a constituent of [[marijuana]]) to be an effective anti-psychotic and anxiolytic <ref>{{cite journal
| last = Zuardi
| first = A.W
| coauthors = J.A.S. Crippa, J.E.C. Hallak, F.A. Moreira, F.S. Guimarães
| title = Cannabidiol as an antipsychotic drug
| journal = Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research
|date=2006
| volume = 39
| pages = 421–429
| url = http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjmbr/v39n4/6164.pdf
| issn = ISSN 0100-879X }}</ref> 'CBD induced a clear anxiolytic effect and a pattern of cerebral activity compatible with anxiolytic activity. Therefore, similar to the data obtained in animal models, results from studies on healthy volunteers have strongly suggested an anxiolytic-like effect of CBD'.
==Alternatives to medication==
[[Psychotherapy]] (e.g. cognitive or behavior therapy) is often useful as an adjunct to medication or as an alternative to medication. In fact, research has consistently demonstrated better long-term results for anxiety when treated with psychotherapy as opposed to pharmacotherapy.{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
==References==
* {{cite book
| last = Albers
| first = Lawrence
| authorlink =
| coauthors = Rhoda Hahn, Christopher Reist
| title = Handbook of Psychiatric Drugs
| publisher = Current Clinical Strageties
| date = 2001-2002
| location = Laguna Hills, California
| url =
| doi =
| id = }}
<references/>
==See also==
* [[ATC code N05#N05B Anxiolytics]]
{{Major Drug Groups}}
{{Anxiolytics}}
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Anxiety disorder treatment]]
[[Category:Psychoactive drugs]]
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