A class of drugs called beta-blockers reduce the shaking or palpitations that may occur when people panic in highly stressful situations, such as job interviews or speaking in public. Other drugs used to treat anxiety include buspirone , some antidepressants, and in special cases, barbiturates. Depression is thought to be caused by a reduction in the level of certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in the brain. It takes some time before antidepressants are effective. Ten to fourteen days may elapse after the initial dose before an effect is observable, and it may be six to eight weeks before they are fully effective.
Antidepressants often have severe side effects.
MAO inhibitors in particular must be used with caution because they deactivate enzymes in the body that break down chemicals found in many foods, such as meat, cheese, yeast extracts, and red wine. Eating these foods while taking an MAO inhibitor can cause a dramatic rise in blood pressure. Insomnia Insomnia has many causes, including anxiety and depression. When the cause is known and can be treated, sleep patterns generally return to normal. When the insomnia is persistent, sleeping drugs may be appropriate.