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The Top 10 Medications for Anxiety and Which One Is Right for You

anxiety medication

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, affecting around 20% U.S. adults. Anxiety medication is one of the primary ways to treat anxiety disorders, alongside talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and healthy coping mechanisms. 

Deciding what anxiety medicine is best for you can be overwhelming. Always talk to a medical professional or psychiatrist before starting anxiety medication. It may take a few trials to find the medicine that will work best for you. 

Do Anxiety Meds Work?

Anxiety meds can ease symptoms, but they aren’t a cure-all for anxiety and may not be right for everyone. Many people say anxiety meds help them get their anxiety under control, so that they can begin implementing the therapeutic techniques, coping skills, and lifestyle changes necessary to reduce their anxiety long-term. 

Anxiety medications can be helpful at treating: 

In general, anxiety meds work best on moderate to severe anxiety and for specific anxieties, such as specific phobias or social anxiety.

4 Types of Anti-Anxiety Meds

Every anxiety medication works in your body differently to reduce anxiety. The right anxiety medication for you will depend on the symptoms you are trying to treat.  

Benzodiazepines

A short-term form of anxiety medication that is effective at treating panic disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, and phobias. They can have moderate side effects like drowsiness and problems with balance and memory, so they are meant to be used in the short-term.

Common benzodiazepines include:

Benzodiazepines should only be used under the care and instruction of a medical doctor or psychiatrist. 

Buspirone

A type of medication that can treat both short-term anxiety and long-term anxiety, Buspirone is a common anti-anxiety medicine prescribed by psychiatrists. Busiprone can take a few weeks to work, and can have side effects that include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and insomnia. 

Although the most common form of Busiprone, BusPar, has been discontinued, you can still get the generic form of Busiprone. The FDA said Buspar was not taken off the market due health concerns or effectiveness, and that Busiprone is still an effective medication for anxiety.

Antidepressants

Many antidepressants are also effective at treating anxiety. Because anxiety and depression are often comorbid, meaning they occur together, antidepressants are a good option for people who experience both depression and anxiety symptoms. 

Antidepressants include:

  • SSRIs (Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft)
  • TCAs (Anafranil, Tofranil)
  • MAOIs (Marplan, Nardil, Emsam, Parnate)

You can read more about antidepressants in our article about depression medication. Antidepressants can have moderate to severe side effects, depending on the medication and your reaction to it. Only take antidepressants under the guidance of a psychiatrist or medical professional.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are typically used to treat heart conditions, but have been found helpful to treat social anxiety disorder. Beta blockers are used “off label” meaning they were not designed to treat anxiety, but many people do so. A common beta-blocker used for anxiety is propranolol (Inderal). 

Beta blockers can have harmful side effects such as fatigue

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Cold fingers or toes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath

Always talk to a doctor or psychiatrist before taking a beta blocker.

10 Anxiety Medications That Actually Work

Anxiety medication should be specific to your needs. The right medication for social anxiety is different from the medication for panic attacks. Also, anxiety is best treated with a combination of medication and therapy, as many causes of anxiety are environmental and can be helped through talk therapy. 

10 commonly prescribed anxiety medications include:

  1. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  2. Bupropion Hydrochloride (Wellbutrin, Zyban,)
  3. Trazadone Hydrochloride (Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose, Oleptro, Trazodone D)
  4. Alprazolam (Xanax)
  5. Clonazepam (Ceberclon® and Klonopin®)
  6. Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (Vensir, Vencarm, Venlalix, Efexor, Venlablue)
  7. Lamotrigine (Lamictal® and Subvenite®)
  8. Lorazepam (Ativan)
  9. Topiramate (Topamax® and Topiragen®.)
  10. Levetiracetam (Keppra, Desitrend)

Talk to your doctor about which anxiety medicine is right for you. 

Side Effects of Anxiety Medication

When starting anxiety medications, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. While these medications can greatly benefit many individuals, some people may experience the following side effects:

  1. Nausea and Upset Stomach: Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort or nausea when beginning anxiety medications. This often subsides as their bodies adjust to the medication.
  2. Drowsiness or Fatigue: Feeling tired or drowsy is a common side effect, especially when starting a new medication or adjusting the dosage.
  3. Dizziness: Some individuals may notice feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. It's important to move slowly to prevent falls.
  4. Headaches: Headaches can occur as the body adjusts to the medication. Staying hydrated and practicing relaxation techniques can help manage this.
  5. Sexual Dysfunction: Some anxiety medications may affect sexual desire or performance. It's important to discuss any changes with a healthcare provider.
  6. Agitation or Irritability: In some cases, anxiety medications can initially lead to feelings of increased agitation or irritability. This often improves with time.
  7. Weight Changes: Both weight gain and weight loss are possible side effects of certain anxiety medications.
  8. Dry Mouth: Some individuals may experience an increase in dry mouth, which can often be managed with frequent sips of water or sugar-free lozenges.
  9. Difficulty Sleeping: While anxiety medications are intended to alleviate anxiety, they can sometimes initially disrupt sleep patterns. Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help mitigate this effect.
  10. Mood Changes: Some individuals may experience changes in mood, such as feeling more emotional or experiencing mood swings. It's essential to communicate any concerning changes to a healthcare provider.

Not everyone will experience these side effects, and many diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If any side effect becomes concerning or persists, discuss it with a healthcare provider. 

What Helps with Anxiety?

Anxiety medication is a good step towards well-being, but many people need a combined approach to fully heal. A combined approach to anxiety therapy includes:

  • Anxiety medication
  • Talk therapy 
  • Coping skills 
  • Life adjustments 
  • Support system

Talk therapy may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or similar therapies. If you don’t enjoy individual talk therapy, try group therapy for anxiety or different therapeutic approaches such as art therapy or music therapy. 

An anxiety therapy can help you learn coping skills which will teach you how to manage anxiety, understand your triggers, and develop a calmer state of mind. Sometimes life adjustments are also necessary for well being, such as drinking less caffeine, exercising more, or getting more sunlight. 

Finally, a support system is crucial for your recovery from an anxiety disorder. Talk with trusted friends or family and let them help you through your journey. 

If you’re ready to begin your anxiety recovery journey, contact Lifebulb. We offer psychiatry in Virginia and New Jersey and talk therapy in states across the U.S. Whether you want to be prescribed anxiety medication or talk with a licensed therapist, our team can find the right solution for you. You can also browse our list of anxiety therapists near you to find the right fit for your needs. 

Not sure if you have anxiety? Take our free, online anxiety assessment to be screened for an anxiety disorder. 

Talk to us

Frequently Asked Questions

The best medication for anxiety varies for each individual, as responses to different medications can differ. Commonly prescribed medications for anxiety include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and others. It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable medication based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and individual needs.

Medication can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety, but it may not make it disappear entirely. For many individuals, medication, in combination with therapy and healthy coping strategies, can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall well-being. It's important to view medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, self-care practices, and lifestyle changes.

If anxiety symptoms significantly impact daily life, persist over an extended period, or interfere with relationships and responsibilities, it may be time to consider medication as part of a treatment plan. Openly discussing your symptoms and concerns with a therapist or psychiatrist (a medical doctor for mental health issues) can help determine the best course of action.

While many anxiety medications are generally well-tolerated, they can have side effects that vary in severity and duration. It's essential to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting medication. Monitoring your response to the medication and communicating any concerns promptly with your healthcare provider can help address side effects effectively.

No. It's crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider when considering stopping anxiety medications. Abruptly discontinuing medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of anxiety symptoms. Collaborating with your healthcare provider to gradually taper off medication when appropriate and exploring alternative strategies, such as therapy or lifestyle changes, can help ensure a smooth transition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

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