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.

===Non-benzodiazepines===
{{Seealso | Nonbenzodiazepine}}

[[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.

===Herbal treatments===
Certain herbs, such as [[St. John's wort]], [[kava]] (kava kava), [[German Chamomile|chamomile]], [[bacopa monniera]] and [[Valerian (herb)|valerian]] 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</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</ref>

Use of marijuana as an anxiolytic has seen promising results in regions where its practical study is possible, but its status as a controlled substance in many countries make its study as such difficult.{{Fact|date=October 2007}}

==Alternatives to medication==
[[Psychotherapy]] (e.g. cognitive or behavior therapy) is often useful as an adjunct to [[pharmacotherapy]] or as an alternative to medication.

==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}}

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[[Category:Anxiety disorders]]
[[Category:Psychoactive drugs]]

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