Anxiety is more common than many people realize. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that around 31% of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, while about 19% experience one in any given year. More recent data from PubMed Central suggests anxiety remains widespread today, with millions of adults reporting ongoing symptoms and rising stress levels in recent years.
Severe anxiety can be a crippling condition that dominates everything you do. Without proper therapy and anxiety treatment, you may begin feeling overwhelmed and incapable of dealing with your anxiety. The effects of severe anxiety can begin to ripple into every aspect of your daily life.
While we all experience anxiety to some degree at one point or another in life, it’s not normal for it to start taking over your world. If you find this is the case, maybe it’s time to start thinking about anxiety medication and seeing an online psychiatrist.
Which Medication Classes Treat Anxiety Disorders?
Several medication classes are used to treat anxiety disorders, each targeting brain chemistry differently and suited to specific symptoms or timelines. Most first-line treatments (like SSRIs and SNRIs) work by regulating serotonin and norepinephrine levels to stabilize mood over time. Others, such as benzodiazepines or beta-blockers, act more quickly but are typically used for the short term due to side effects or dependency risks.
Each medication belongs to a broader class with distinct mechanisms, benefits, and considerations. Several types of medication for anxiety have been found effective, including:
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines (sometimes called simply “benzos”)
- Buspirone
- Hydroxyzine
- Beta-blockers
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are often the first line of treatment for those with anxiety disorders. Two subgroups of antidepressant medication, SSRIs and SNRIs, seem to be most effective in treating anxiety.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for anxiety. They work by helping your brain make more serotonin — a neurotransmitter that aids in regulating and enhancing mood.
Some SSRIs that are commonly used to treat anxiety include:
- Zoloft
- Prozac
- Celexa
- Lexapro
Possible side effects of SSRIs to treat anxiety:
- Agitation
- Feeling shaky or anxious
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Blurred vision
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
These inhibit the reabsorption of certain brain chemicals that can increase or induce anxiety. While SSRIs work only on serotonin, SNRIs can combat low levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine, both of which impact mood.
Some SNRIs that are commonly used to treat anxiety include:
- Effexor
- Cymbalta
- Pristiq
Possible side effects of SNRIs to treat anxiety:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
Bupropion
There are a few other antidepressants that can help with anxiety symptoms in addition to SSRIs and SNRIs. They include:
- Aplenzin (bupropion)
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)
- Zyban (bupropion)
Possible side effects of bupropion to treat anxiety:
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Constipation
- Sore throat
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Tricyclic antidepressants are used in the treatment of anxiety or depression because they work to balance serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters in your brain. Too much of these chemicals can result in anxiety. TCAs are older drugs that aren’t as common and may have more side effects than some newer drug options do. These include:
- Amitid (amitriptyline)
- Amitril
- Anafranil (clomipramine)
- Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline)
- Elavil/Endep (amitriptyline)
- Tofranil (imipramine)
Possible side effects of tricyclic antidepressants to treat anxiety:
- Slightly blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Difficulty urinating
- Excessive sweating (particularly at night)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs are yet another type of antidepressant that can be used as an off-label treatment for anxiety. While off-label treatment means using a treatment approved for a condition other than yours, it is a legal and common way many conditions are treated. MAOIs are typically prescribed to treat social phobias or panic disorder. MAOIs increase the number of neurotransmitters that regulate your mood.
Some MAOIs that are used to treat anxiety (again, as an off-label treatment) include:
- Emsam (selegiline)
- Marplan (isocarboxazid)
- Nardil (phenelzine)
- Parnate (tranylcypromine)
Possible side effects of MAOIs to treat anxiety:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Buspirone (BuSpar) is often prescribed in addition to an antidepressant. It can be used when treating general anxiety disorder. While it’s not totally understood why or how buspirone works, it’s thought to affect some of the chemicals in the brain that help regulate mood.
Possible side effects of buspirone to treat anxiety:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Lightheadedness
- Being tired
- Blurred vision
Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that’s been approved to treat anxiety. It works by reducing some of the activity in the central nervous system, so it acts as a sedative that can treat tension and anxiety. However, it’s also associated with drowsiness and is used for insomnia, so it may not work for everyone.
There are several brand names for hydroxyzine:
- ANX
- Atarax
- Hyzine
- Rezine
- Vistaril
- Vistaril IM
- Vistaject-50
Possible side effects of hydroxyzine to treat anxiety:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Headache
- Irritability
If hydroxyzine’s sedating effects or side effects don’t feel like the right fit, you can explore hydroxyzine alternatives that may better match your needs and lifestyle.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting and known to reduce anxiety by increasing neurotransmitter activity that has a relaxed, sedative effect. They’re commonly prescribed for people who have generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
The caveat to benzodiazepines is that people can easily build up a tolerance to them, and they’re addictive. They’re typically not prescribed for a long time period. These are prescribed in conjunction with other medications and rarely used as a sole agent.
Some prescribed benzodiazepines to treat anxiety are:
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
- Xanax/Niravam (alprazolam)
- Valium (diazepam)
Possible side effects of benzodiazepines to treat anxiety:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
Beta-blockers
While beta-blockers are a commonly known treatment for heart conditions, they’re also an off-label option for anxiety. Beta-blockers can work for short-term anxiety, like social phobias, stage fright, etc. They’re known to potentially help reduce physical symptoms in certain anxiety disorders — for example, the rapid heart rate or sweating that can be associated with social anxiety disorder.
Since they block the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta receptors, beta-blockers are considered beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. Epinephrine is the hormone that plays a significant role in our fight or flight response, which is associated with anxiety.
The most commonly prescribed beta-blocker that’s used as an anti-anxiety medication is:
- Inderal (propranolol)
Possible side effects of beta-blockers to treat anxiety:
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Cold fingers/toes
- Feeling sick
Medications Commonly Prescribed for Anxiety
The following anxiety medication list shares some (but not all) of the most prescribed medications for anxiety available:
Talk to your psychiatrist or healthcare professional about the possible risks and benefits associated with the above anxiety medications before starting treatment.
How Do You Get Prescribed Anxiety Medication?
Getting anxiety medication starts with a structured evaluation to ensure safety and the right treatment fit. You can complete this process either in person or through licensed online providers, depending on access and preference. Insurance coverage varies, but many plans include mental health evaluations, therapy, and medication management.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Initial evaluation: A clinician assesses symptoms, severity, and functional impact
- Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis is made based on clinical criteria
- Medical history review: Includes current medications, conditions, and risk factors
- Prescription and follow-up: Medication is prescribed with ongoing monitoring and adjustments
As clinicians emphasize, safe prescribing depends on a full picture of your mental and physical health, not just symptoms. Medication is often one part of a broader treatment plan, which raises an important question: Should it be combined with therapy?
Should I Combine Therapy and Medication?
Medication can be an effective option for managing anxiety, but it’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Evidence consistently shows that combining medication with therapy, especially approaches like CBT, often leads to better and more sustained outcomes than medication alone. Relying only on medication may reduce symptoms in the short term, but it doesn’t always address underlying thought patterns or triggers.
Most anxiety medications take a few weeks to show full effect, requiring patience and consistency. Ongoing monitoring with a clinician is essential to adjust dosage, manage side effects, and track progress. The right approach depends on your symptoms, history, and treatment goals, which is why informed decision-making with your provider is key. If you’re unsure whether medication is the right step, reviewing the signs you might need anxiety medication can help you better understand when it may be worth considering.
Questions to ask your doctor
Before starting or adjusting medication, asking the right questions can help you make a more informed choice:
- Should I consider anxiety medication?
Ask your doctor to help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks based on your specific symptoms and needs. - What are the possible side effects of this medication?
Understanding side effects helps you set expectations and decide what risks you’re comfortable with. - How long will it take to work, and how will we monitor progress?
Knowing the timeline and follow-up plan helps you stay consistent and avoid stopping too early. - What other treatments should I consider?
Medication isn’t the only option. Therapy and lifestyle changes can be equally or more effective. - Should I combine medication with therapy?
Many people benefit from combining both, especially for long-term symptom management. - Are there holistic or self-help techniques I can try?
Practices like meditation, exercise, journaling, and sleep routines can support overall progress. - Are there other conditions contributing to my anxiety?
Identifying related issues like depression, insomnia, or physical health conditions can improve treatment outcomes. - What should I know about stopping or changing medication later?
Planning helps you avoid withdrawal symptoms and make safe transitions if needed.
Taking the time to ask these questions can help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence in your treatment plan.
How Talkspace Can Help with Medication Management
Managing anxiety medication is easier with consistent access to care, follow-ups, and coordinated support. Talkspace offers online psychiatric evaluations, prescription management, and ongoing monitoring, all from home. You can connect with licensed psychiatric providers who assess symptoms, adjust dosages, and guide treatment over time, with the option to integrate additional support where needed.
Convenient virtual access reduces wait times and removes barriers to ongoing care. Services are delivered by licensed psychiatric providers experienced in anxiety treatment and medication management. Many plans are insurance-compatible, making care more accessible.
Start your journey with Talkspace psychiatry services and get personalized support for medication management and anxiety care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does anxiety medication take to work?
Most first-line anxiety medications (like SSRIs/SNRIs) take 2–4 weeks to start working, with full effects in 6–8 weeks. Fast-acting options like benzodiazepines work within hours but are usually prescribed for short-term usage. However, people react to different medications in different ways so individual timelines can vary.
Can I stop medication after therapy?
It may be possible, but never abruptly. Many people taper off medication once therapy has improved their symptoms, but this should always be done gradually under medical supervision to prevent withdrawal or relapse.
Are beta-blockers addictive?
No, beta-blockers are not considered addictive. They don’t create dependence like benzodiazepines, but they should still be used as prescribed and not stopped suddenly without guidance.
What’s the cheapest generic anxiety medication?
Generic SSRIs like fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram are often the most affordable options. Costs vary by pharmacy and insurance, so it’s best to compare prices or ask your provider.
Is medication safe during pregnancy?
Some anxiety medications are considered safer than others during pregnancy, but risks vary. Always consult your doctor to weigh the benefits vs. the potential risks before starting or continuing medication.
