Types of Anxiety Medications & How To Choose the Right One

Feeling anxious is a normal human response. For instance, it’s not unusual to feel anxious before an exam, when starting a new job, or moving to a new city. This type of anxiety is temporary and does not interfere with your ability to enjoy life. However, some people experience intense, debilitating anxiety that keeps getting worse over time.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, around 40 million Americans (or 18% of the population) suffer from an anxiety disorder. The incidence of anxiety has been increasing among teens and young adults in the United States. And while generalized anxiety disorder can be easily treated, less than 4 out of 10 people get the treatment they need. How can you tell if you need anti-anxiety medication?

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which a person worries persistently and excessively about a number of things, such as money, health, family, and work. It is characterized by an inability to control worrying thoughts, to worry more than warranted, and to expect the worst even in the absence of any real concerns.

Are There Other Types of Anxiety Disorders?

Yes, in addition to generalized anxiety disorder, there are other types of anxiety disorders, including phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are also classified as anxiety disorders. As a result, an anxiety disorder can have a wide range of signs and symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.

For example, one person may have uncontrolled worrying thoughts while another person may have physical symptoms of anxiety such as palpitations and sweating. Therefore, the first step in figuring out whether you need treatment with medications is understanding the type of anxiety you’re dealing with.

The good news is that the various types of anxiety disorders have one thing in common—they are all highly treatable and respond well to anti-anxiety medications in combination with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. Your mental health professional can develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you, including prescribing anti-anxiety medications for several weeks or longer.

What Are Anxiety Medications?

Anxiety medications, also called anxiolytics, are drugs that can help to manage symptoms of anxiety disorders. They work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters (natural brain chemicals) in the central nervous system. Some of these drugs, such as SSRIs, increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine to brain cells. Others, such as benzodiazepines, enhance the function of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

Taking medication for anxiety can benefit people with different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Not sure what your symptoms mean? Read more on our blog, Understanding Panic Disorder.

There are various types of anxiety medications from different drug classes. Here is a brief list of anxiety medications that are commonly prescribed:

Benzodiazepines (Valium, Restoril, Ativan, others).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, others).
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (Cymbalta, Effexor, others).
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (Elavil, Pamelor, Tofranil, Vivactil, others).
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (Nardil, Parnate, Marplan).
Other antidepressants (Remeron, Wellbutrin).
Natural supplements (kava, passion flower, valerian, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, St. John’s wort).

Your healthcare provider will help in choosing the best medication for anxiety for your symptoms. You can learn more from our blog Benzodiazepines vs. SSRIs: What’s a Better Treatment Option?

Find Discount Prices On Your Anxiety Medications

Are There Different Medications For Different Types Of Anxiety?

Yes, different anxiety medications are used to treat different anxiety disorders. For example:

Panic disorder medication may be an SSRI, TCA, MAOI, or benzodiazepine.
Generalized anxiety disorder medication may be an SSRI, SNRI, TCA, other antidepressant, or benzodiazepine.
Social anxiety disorder medication may be an SSRI, MAOI, other antidepressant, or benzodiazepine.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder medication may be an SSRI or other antidepressant.
Post-traumatic stress disorder medication may be an SSRI, TCA, or MAOI.

These medications differ from one another in which neurotransmitter they affect and how quickly they start working to relieve anxiety symptoms.

For example, SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, and others) affect the concentration of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that plays a role in the development of anxiety disorders. It takes 2-4 weeks to get the full effects of SSRI anxiety medications.

Benzodiazepines (Valium, Restoril, and others) increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect and reduces anxiety, fear, and stress. These anxiety medications are fast-acting and start working within an hour. However, their effects wear off quickly. Also, they are habit-forming and can only be used for short-term treatment of anxiety.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Medications

Medications used to treat generalized anxiety disorder include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac and Zoloft.
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta and Effexor.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Norpramin and Pamelor.
Other antidepressants such as Remeron.
Benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax, others.

These medications differ from one another in terms of the brain chemicals they act on. For example, SNRIs and TCAs increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine to brain cells by preventing their reuptake (absorption). MAOIs block an enzyme to prevent the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine.

ADHD and Anxiety Medications

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder associated with symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Stimulant medications (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, others) and non-stimulant medications (Strattera, Kapvay, Intuniv) are commonly used to treat ADHD.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe ADHD and anxiety medication (antidepressants) together to treat ADHD symptoms. Some of the anxiety medications that may be used to treat ADHD symptoms include:

Norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Other commonly prescribed anxiety medications called SSRIs are less effective in treating ADHD but are sometimes used in people who have co-occurring ADHD and anxiety or depression.

Antidepressants and Anxiety Medications

Many antidepressant medications are used to treat anxiety symptoms in people with various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Specific Antidepressant Medications that may be prescribed for anxiety disorders include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), which are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Antidepressants are different from anxiety medications called benzodiazepines in the following ways:

Antidepressants affect the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. Benzodiazepines act on a neurotransmitter called GABA.
Antidepressants start working in 2-4 weeks. Benzodiazepines start working within an hour.
Antidepressants can be taken for long-term treatment of anxiety. Benzodiazepines are habit-forming and are only for short-term anxiety management.

What Are The Most Common Anxiety Medications?

Some of the most common medications used to treat anxiety symptoms are SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines. Here is some more information on these anxiety medication names.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs can be used long-term to manage anxiety symptoms.
Examples of SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, muscle weakness, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Upon discontinuation of an SSRI, withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia can occur.

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are antidepressant medications approved to treat certain anxiety disorders, including panic attacks.
Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), and venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
Anxiety medication side effects may include dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, dry mouth, excessive sweating, and headache.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are another class of anxiety medications that are fast-acting and provide more immediate relief from anxiety symptoms.
However, benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety for the short term only because they can lead to dependency and withdrawal.
Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Common side effects of medication for anxiety (benzodiazepines) include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, memory problems, and confusion.

Other medications used to treat symptoms of anxiety include buspirone, beta-blockers, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

In addition, lifestyle changes can help you manage anxiety. Exercise is considered the strongest natural anxiety medication. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, fear, and anxiety symptoms.

How Do You Know If You Should Take Anxiety Medication?

There is no right or wrong time to start anti-anxiety medication— it varies from person to person. However, experts agree that when anxiety starts to interfere with your functioning in daily life, it is time to think about taking anxiety medication. If you feel paralyzed by worrying thoughts, are unable to focus on work, or your anxiety has started to affect your relationships, you should consider seeing a mental health professional who can treat your symptoms of anxiety.

Quiz Yourself: Do I Need Medication for Anxiety?

With this quiz, you can assess whether you may need anxiety medication:

Do you have uncontrollable worries that you cannot let go of and are causing distress?
Do you worry about everyday matters like work, family, health, and social life?
Do minor concerns like household chores cause you to worry?
Do you feel irritable, restless, or on edge a lot of the time?
Do you have trouble concentrating and remembering things?
Are you tired all the time?
Do you have tense muscles?
Do you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep?
Do you have sudden episodes of intense fear (panic attacks)?
Do you have an extreme or irrational fear or something (phobia)?
Do you have unwanted thoughts or urges that lead to compulsive behaviors (OCD)?
Have you experienced frightening or traumatic events in the past and have flashbacks or nightmares (PTSD)?

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Anxiety

If you answer yes to one or more questions on this checklist, you should see a mental health professional for consultation. Not sure where to start? Your primary care provider is a good place to start if you have mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression. They can prescribe medication for anxiety or refer you to a mental health professional.

Note: There is no non-prescription anxiety medication. You can try taking herbal remedies such as chamomile and passion flower, but the effectiveness of these herbs in treating anxiety is not supported by robust scientific evidence.

Before your appointment with a mental health professional:

Prepare a list of questions, including any questions you might have about different anxiety medications.
Note down any preexisting medical conditions and make a list of your medications.
Review your family medical history. Some mental health conditions run in families.

During your mental health appointment for anxiety symptoms:

Consider bringing a friend or relative. It can sometimes be difficult to describe your symptoms objectively. A loved one can help by being there for support, taking notes, and helping you remember what was said. However, if you are uncomfortable having another person there, it is okay to go alone.
Be honest when describing your symptoms, including life stressors that may be causing them.

Medications Are Not the Only Solution for Anxiety

Medication for anxiety can manage your symptoms and help you feel more like yourself again. However, in addition to anxiety medications, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy can play a big role in gaining a handle on your anxiety. A healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques are proven ways to keep stress and anxiety under control.

In addition, psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a proven and effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Working with a therapist can help you learn coping mechanisms, how to identify unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how to make long-term changes in your thinking and behavior.

How Do Anxiety Medications Work?

Different anti-anxiety medications work in different ways on brain chemistry. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the amount of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain, that is available to brain cells by preventing its reuptake or absorption. Research has shown that serotonin plays a key role in the development of anxiety disorders.

Other drugs on the anxiety and depression medication list act on different neurotransmitters (natural brain chemicals). For example, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) increase the amount of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, in the central nervous system.

Anti-anxiety medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) block an enzyme that causes the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine, thereby increasing the availability of these natural mood-enhancing and calming chemicals.

Benzodiazepines increase the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is an inhibitory chemical in the brain that has a calming effect.

Other medications prescribed for anxiety, such as beta-blockers, help to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating, shaking, or a racing heart.

What Anxiety Medication Has No Side Effects?

All anxiety medications have the potential to cause side effects. However, some cause fewer side effects than others. In general, SSRIs are well tolerated, with a low risk of serious side effects. For this reason, doctors often recommend them as the first choice of medications for anxiety disorders.

What Are Alternatives To Anxiety Medications?

Alternatives to anxiety medications include:

Psychotherapy: Research has shown that behavioral therapy, alone or in combination with anxiety disorder medication, is highly effective in managing symptoms of anxiety disorders. A trained therapist or psychologist can teach you healthier ways to manage anxiety symptoms and effective ways to cope with stressors. A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders.

Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness (being present in the moment), meditation, yoga, tai-chi, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises can all help in managing anxiety without medications by reducing stress. You may be able to avoid taking anxiety attack medication by practicing these natural stress reduction techniques.

Natural Remedies: Certain herbs such as chamomile, valerian root, ashwagandha, magnesium, and others may help in lessening symptoms of anxiety. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any natural anxiety medication because some of them can cause serious side effects and/or interact with prescription drugs. It’s also worth noting that there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of these natural remedies for anxiety.

Is Anti-Anxiety Medication Bad For You?

Anxiety disorders can be debilitating. They can affect your ability to get through a normal day. Suffering intense worry day after day can take a toll on your health. Anxiety drugs can relieve some of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorders, whether it is heart-pounding panic, paralyzing fear, or inability to sleep due to worry.

However, like all medications, anti-anxiety medications carry the risk of side effects and safety concerns. For example, benzodiazepines are only used for the short term. They are not recommended for long-term use due to tolerance (you need more medication over time to get the same effects) as well as the risk of addiction.

The bottom line is that if your anxiety is interfering with your ability to function normally, an anxiety drug may be helpful. As long as you take the medication as prescribed and follow your doctor’s instructions, it will do more good than harm.

How Do I Know Which Anxiety Medication Is Right For Me?

There are several types of medications used to treat different anxiety disorders.
These drugs work by affecting levels of natural chemicals in the brain to relieve symptoms of anxiety, such as stress, fear, and worry.
Your primary care provider or mental health professional can recommend a medication for anxiety that can effectively treat your anxiety disorder.

Choice of Anxiety Medicine

Keep in mind that choosing the right medication may require some trial and error. The first anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your doctor may not work for you, or it may cause intolerable side effects, in which case you will need to try another medication. While choosing the best anxiety medication for you, your doctor will take into consideration your symptoms as well as the potential side effects. They will also consider your other health conditions as well as any other medications and herbal supplements you are taking.

Relief from Anxiety Symptoms

Once your doctor has selected an anxiety medication for you, be patient. It may take several weeks for treatment with medications like SSRIs to be effective. Take your medication exactly as prescribed and take it consistently. If you experience side effects, wait to see if they get better over time as your body adjusts to the treatment. If the side effects continue to be bothersome or you don’t notice an improvement in your anxiety symptoms after several weeks, you may need to stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor about exploring other options. Remember, you should never stop taking anti-anxiety medications without speaking to the prescribing doctor first.

Affording Anxiety Medicine

If you have been prescribed an anxiety medication, you can access it at a lower cost using a BuzzRx Prescription Discount Card. You can also check the prices of anxiety medication online and use free BuzzRx discount coupons at pharmacies near you.

How To Get Anxiety Medication?

Here are the steps for getting a prescription for an anxiety medication:

Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about your concerns and symptoms. Your PCP may refer you to a mental health professional.
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the provider. Take a list of your current medications with you to the appointment.
Depending on the type and severity of your anxiety disorder, your healthcare provider may first consider prescribing non-drug treatments for anxiety. If lifestyle changes, therapy, and stress reduction techniques don’t work, they may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication.
Take your prescription to the pharmacy to have it filled. If you want to access anxiety medications at a lower cost, sign up for the BuzzRx Prescription Discount Card.
If you’re having trouble affording your anxiety medications, BuzzRx can help. Get more information here: