Brief Answer:
SSRIs are the first choice...

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your query.

I understand that you are suffering from unspecified / generalised anxiety and would like to know about medications to treat the same. In such cases, a class of medication called SSRIs are the first choice for treating generalised anxiety. There are different SSRIs like Escitalopram, Citalopram, Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, etc. In your case, since there are concerns about weight gain, I would consider Sertraline among the above mentioned SSRIs.

The other type of medication that can be useful in the short term management of anxiety is benzodiazepines like Alprazolam, Clonazepam, etc. But the problem with this type of medication is the risk of dependence / addiction. This is the reason why your doctor may have stopped Klonopin (Clonazepam).

Finally, there is one more option available - an antianxiety medication called Buspirone. This can help ease anxiety symptom as well as has the advantage of not causing weight gain or dependence.

So, you can discuss about these options with your doctor and make an informed decision on the choice of medication for your anxiety symptoms.

Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Brief Answer:
Pros and cons given.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have given below the pros and cons of each of the medication that you have asked about.

1) Sertraline
Pros: First-line recommended medicine for generalized anxiety disorder. Quite effective for long term relief of anxiety symptoms. Dose adjustment is easier.
Cons: May take a few weeks for full effects to take over. Sexual side effects can be there.

2) Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Pros: Least likelihood for weight gain. Very less sexual side effects
Cons: Not a primary antianxiety medication. Risk of seizures in high doses.

3) Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
Pros: Quicker onset of action. Relatively less weight gain.Sleep disturbances can occur.

Hope I have clarified your query.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Cons: Drug-drug interactions are relativelymore.

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