Anti-depressants for Anxiety - What's the logic here?

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I was prescribed Lexapro in May for my extreme Anxiety. Took it once and all it did was make me "happy". That is, so happy you can't stop smiling, happy. Needless to say, I hated it. It felt so fake. I'm trying to understand the logic behind why docs use Anti-depressants (something that makes you happy) to treat anxiety. Is it a "Happy = Not Anxious" mindset?

Can someone please shed some light on this?

IIRC, serotonin has an effect on the amygdala and locus coeruleus, which is where anxiety often "comes from".

It won't take it all away (anxiety that is), as SSRIs only work on serotonin. Older tricyclic anti-depressants work on norepinephrine receptors too (stress hormones), so that can also aid in an anti-anxiety effect (it also affects histamine, so that'll sedate you, which will probably make you feel calmer).

If you think it's bad, it probably is. Talk to family and friends who care about you and are not overly impressed by the doc's credentials.

In my limited experience with shrinks, I have come to believe that psychology is not a science at all. At best, it's a philosophy, with lots of room for opinions.

When the shrinks take themselves too seriously, they can confuse their philosophy with ego, greed and superstition.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with Tahitii on this one. Though I will admit I'm biased b/c the only good thing I got from a psychiatrist was a method to swallow pills.

The best anxiety drugs target the neurotransmitter GABA. However, the body quickly upgrades/downgrades the functioning of GABA receptors to restore equilibrium when drugs are taken or stopped. This means that higher and higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects, abuse potential is high and withdrawal will occur if the drugs are stopped.

Lexapro has a mild effect on anxiety. Also people finding it easier to deal with anxiety if they are happy. It's seen as a much safer option than other drugs and long-term use is possible.