The 10 types of anxiolytics

Due to the fact that anxiety can cause problems that affect life On many occasions, we look for various alternatives to cope with this type of situations. Without a doubt, medicine has made great advances in the field of medications that can calm the symptoms that appear around anxiety.

However, sometimes the variety available on the market can lead to confusion, since each type of drug has characteristics that differentiate it from other drugs. Knowing relevant data about this area can guide us regarding the management of anxiety. Do you want to know more about this? In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about the types of anxiolytics.

Index

1. meprobamate
2. Benzodiazepines
3. buspirone
4. barbiturates
5. beta-adrenergic blockers
6. antihistamines
7. Lorazepam
8. Alprazolam
9. Diazepam
10. Bromazepam

This type of anxiolytic consists of a psychotropic drug that is consumed orally through tablets. Meprobamate is indicated for the short term relief of anxiety symptoms in children over six years of age and in adults.

• Function: Meprobamate has the function of slow down neural connections, which are carried out in various regions of the brain and are associated with emotional processing.
• Dose: Regarding the mode of supply of this medicine, it is suggested that it be taken orally two or three times a day in children and three or four times in adults. However, it must be prescribed and controlled by a health professional.

Benzodiazepines are a type of anxiolytics with the ability to inhibit the action of dopamineand norepinephrine, two hormones linked to anxiety in humans.

• Function: This type of anxiolytics lies in the inhibition of the central nervous system, which produces a body relaxation of the person. Its effect can be immediate according to the picture that is presented in each situation.
• Dose: the consumption of this drug should be controlled by a doctor Anxiety treatment specialist. In general, it is possible to take this medication intravenously, rectally and orally depending on each patient. Despite this, the indicated dose will depend on the needs of each person.

To learn more about this drug, read our article Types of benzodiazepines: list and effects.

In general, buspirone is indicated for disorders of generalized anxiety which may include symptoms such as fear, insomnia, irritability, tachycardia, among others.

Beyond this, Buspirone takes longer to generate effects in the person's life than other anxiolytics that produce an instant effect. For this reason, this type of anxiolytic acts in the long term.

• Function: Buspirone has the characteristic of acting on serotonin, resulting in relief of anxiety without creating an addiction nor a sedation of the person.
• Dose: the consumption of this medication can occur in adults through oral tablets that can be taken in doses of 5 milligrams per day and gradually increase the intake until reaching 60 milligrams diaries. However, the supply of the drug must be supervised by a professional suitable.

This drug could not be missing from this list of types of anxiolytics: Barbiturates, which are another of the effective anxiolytic drugs in the treatment of anxiety. The duration of the Barbiturates will depend on the dose consumed by each person, ranging between 3 and 12 hours depending on the pharmaceutical product.

• Function: its function is to enable a central nervous system sedation instantly.
• Dose: Regarding the suggested dose for consumption, it is recommended to take 75 to 200 milligrams daily in the form of oral tablets professionally supervised.

These types of anxiolytics are medications that have the characteristic of being able to reduce blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. Next, I explain in detail how it works and how to take this drug:

• Function: beta-adrenergic blockers are effective in producing a relaxation of the cardiovascular system, such as migraines, tremors, chest attacks, among others.
• Dose: the supply of this type of anxiolytic must be done progressively in doses of up to 5 milligrams depending on each person. As with other anxiolytics, intake under the control of a professional is suggested.

Another of the most common types of anxiolytics are antihistamines. This class of medications are intended for the management of anxiety episodes as they contain hydroxyzine.

• Function: antihistamines have a substance that is responsible for reduce brain activity and produce nervous relaxation.
• Dose: the mode of consumption is usually through capsules with a frequency of three or four times a day, depending on the severity of the picture presented by the person. However, it is suggested to follow the recommendations of the health professional who prescribes this medication.

This type of anxiolytic is a drug that is considered part of the group of tranquilizers. Additionally, lorazepam is composed of lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, and magnesium stearate.

• Function: lorazepam is a benzodiazepine or, also called, psychotropic substance, which has the effect of a short-acting sedative.
• Dose: the intake of this medicine usually ranges between 0.5 and 3 milligrams daily spread over several shots throughout the day for anxiety problems.

For more details, read our post Lorazepam for sleep: what it is for, dosage and side effects.

Alprazolam consists of a medication composed of alprazolam, sodium docusate, sodium benzoate, starch pregelatinized potato, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and colloidal silica anhydrous

• Function: Alprazolam is indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders.
• Dose: to consume it, the suggested dose ranges from 0.25 to 0.50 milligrams of an Alprazolam tablet three times a day orally. This type of anxiolytic must be ingested under medical indication.

If you want more information, click on the following title Alprazolam for sleep: dosage, how to take it and side effects.

Diazepam is a type of anxiolytic that is used to treat anxiety symptoms given its direct action on the body.

• Function: diazepam produces a relaxation of the nervous system because of its sedative and calming effect.
• Dose: For adult patients, Diazepam can be consumed two to four times a day in a dose ranging between 2 and 10 milligrams. As we have previously mentioned, it is important to follow the medical indications for taking this anxiolytic.

Check here the long term side effects.

The last of the medications in this list of types of anxiolytics is Bromazepam. Its composition lies in Bromazepam, gelatin, titanium dioxide and ponceau.

• Function: This medicine is used to relieve mental tension, nervousness and anxiety.
• Dose: it should be taken into account that the indicated dose will depend on the severity of each person's picture. However, no more than three capsules should be taken per day, which is equivalent to 4.5 milligrams. In case of complications, it is essential to go to a health center.

If you have found this post about the types of anxiolytics interesting, we recommend you read What is the best medication for anxiety.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of anxiolytics, we recommend that you enter our category of Psychopharmaceuticals.

DeSantis, A. (2018). Pharmacological modulation of the CNS: anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics EUTM, Hospital de Clínicas Dr. Manuel Quintana.

Pita Calandre, E., Manzanares Iribas, J. (1992). Anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs. Journal of the Spanish Association of Neuropsychiatry, 12 (1), 43-49.

Leaflet: Information for the user. (2013). Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. Recovered from: https://cima.aemps.es/cima/pdfs/es/p/73132/P_73132.pdf