Agoraphobia Treatment Options

Agoraphobia Treatment – Part 3: Medication

Medical doctors and psychiatrists are likely to prescribe medication if you are diagnosed with agoraphobia. They will usually prescribe either a benzodiazepine or anti-depressant. However, these medications are usually prescribed for temporary symptom relief while the person with agoraphobia works towards complete recovery.

Benzodiazepines are prescribed for agoraphobia to reduce anxiety symptoms. These are tranquilizers and sleeping pills. You have probably heard of some of the most common types of benzodiazepines which are Ativan, Xanax, Valium, and Restoril. The main drawback with benzodiazepines is that they can be habit forming and withdrawal can cause the same anxiety or agoraphobia symptoms they were meant to relieve.

Anti-depressants are prescribed to people with agoraphobia because they act as mood stabilizers and block panic attacks in addition to treating depression.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed for agoraphobia because they don't produce as many side effects as older, less frequently prescribed types of anti-depressants (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Anti-depressants). SSRIs include Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

Recently, SSNRIs (Selective Serotonin and Noreprenephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like Effexor have increased in popularity for patients with agoraphobia and panic-related disorders. The main difference between these drugs and SSRI's is that they effect the brain’s levels of noreprenephrine in addition to serotonin and aren't as likely to produce sexual side effects.

Although anti-depressants are not habit forming like the benzodiazepines, some of them produce undesirable side effects like weight gain and reduced sex drive. They also produce harsh withdrawal effects in many people, especially Effexor.