Anxious feelings can be overwhelming and debilitating, impacting our daily lives in ways we can’t even imagine. Fortunately, there are a variety of medications available that can help calm these feelings and provide relief from anxiety. These medications — called anxiolytics or anti-anxiety drugs — can be prescribed by your doctor and are one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include therapy for anxiety, lifestyle changes, or alternative interventions.
When you’ve been prescribed an anxiolytic medication, it’s important to understand the different types that are available and how they work. Here is a breakdown of the various anxiety medications used to treat anxiety disorders so that you can find the best option for your needs.
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Benzodiazepines
The most commonly prescribed class of anxiety medications are benzodiazepines, which work on the central nervous system (CNS). These drugs act on the brain and spinal cord to reduce hyperactivity, making them an effective treatment for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social phobia.
Benzodiazepines come in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations, but they’re generally not intended for long-term use beyond 3 to 6 months. Common benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax (alprazolam).
- Valium (diazepam).
- Ativan (lorazepam).
- Klonopin (clonazepam).
- Restoril (temazepam).
What are the benefits of Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are effective at reducing anxiety symptoms, including feelings of panic. They act quickly, usually within an hour or two after taking them, and their effects can last for several hours. When taken as directed, benzodiazepines are effective for rapid relief of anxiety and panic symptoms, but may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends benzodiazepines for short-term use — two to four weeks in most cases — due to risks of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.1 Long-term use — three to six months — may occur in specific cases, but is generally discouraged unless other treatments have failed.
Related: What Are the Major Benefits of Getting Off Antidepressants?
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. They work by blocking the reabsorption — or reuptake — of serotonin in the brain, resulting in increased levels of this key neurotransmitter responsible for mood and anxiety symptom management.
Common SSRIs used to treat anxiety include:
These drugs have fewer side effects than benzodiazepines, making them safer for long-term use. Antidepressants can take four to eight weeks for you to experience the full therapeutic effects — though for some patients, it’s sooner — so patience is vital.
What are the benefits of SSRIs?
SSRIs can be beneficial for some people with anxiety disorders because they help to improve overall mood and lessen the intensity of anxious thoughts. Additionally, SSRIs don’t produce physical dependence like benzodiazepines can, making them a safer choice for long-term treatment.
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SNRIs
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another class of antidepressants that work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, resulting in increased levels of these key mood- and anxiety-regulating neurotransmitters.
Common SNRIs used to treat anxiety include:
- Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Effexor (venlafaxine)
These drugs can take up to four weeks before any benefits are seen, so patience is key.
What are the benefits of SNRIs?
SNRIs can be beneficial for some people with anxiety disorders as they help to improve overall mood and lessen the intensity of anxious thoughts. Additionally, similar to SSRIs, SNRIs have a lower risk of physical dependence compared to benzodiazepines, making them a preferred option for long-term treatment.
Related: Best Medication for OCD and Anxiety
Buspirone
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that belongs to a class of drugs called azapirones, which work by modulating serotonin activity in the brain to help reduce anxiety symptoms. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not act on GABA receptors, so it is less effective for immediate relief or acute anxiety episodes but can be helpful for ongoing generalized anxiety.
What are the benefits of Buspirone?
Buspirone is a relatively safe and well-tolerated medication for treating anxiety. It does not possess the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, so it can be taken during the day without causing drowsiness. Additionally, buspirone has fewer withdrawal symptoms than benzodiazepines, making it easier to discontinue if needed.
According to Joseph Aguirre, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) for Neuro Wellness Spa in Brea, “Buspirone is most effective for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and may be less suitable for acute panic attacks or severe anxiety symptoms.”
Related: Understanding Anxiety in Men
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are medications that work by blocking the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), which is responsible for causing many of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. These drugs can also be used to treat specific forms of stress, such as performance anxiety and fear of public speaking. Common beta blockers prescribed “off-label” for anxiety — meaning they aren’t FDA-approved for this use but are still considered effective — include:
- Propranolol.
- Atenolol.
- Metoprolol.
What are the benefits of beta blockers?
Beta blockers can be an effective treatment for anxiety and are usually taken on an as-needed basis, which means they do not require a long-term commitment. In addition, these drugs have fewer side effects than other medications that are used to treat anxiety.
Related: Do You Have High-Functioning Anxiety?
Other Antidepressants for Anxiety
While SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant for treating anxiety disorders, there are other types that can also be used to treat more severe forms of anxiety. These drugs work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps to reduce anxiety symptoms. Common antidepressants used for anxiety include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and SSRIs.
TCAs and MAOIs are less commonly used for anxiety due to their side effect profiles: TCAs may cause side effects more often than SSRIs or SNRIs, and MAOIs require dietary restrictions to avoid serious interactions. As such, these medications are typically reserved for cases where SSRIs or SNRIs are ineffective.
What are the benefits of antidepressants?
Antidepressants have been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of anxiety disorders, including GAD, panic disorder, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These medications can help treat GAD symptoms such as fear, worry, and racing thoughts to help improve overall mood and quality of life. They can also improve sleep quality, which is essential for managing anxiety.
Related: Antidepressants Not Working? Here‘s What To Do Next
How Should You Use Anxiolytics?
As with any medication, it’s vital to consult with your psychiatrist before taking any medication to treat an anxiety disorder — or if you have another co-occurring mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression. Your doctor will be able to assess the severity of your anxiety and recommend the most appropriate medication for you. Depending on your individual situation, you may need to take a combination of medications and follow a longer-term treatment plan. It can take several weeks before you start to notice an improvement in your symptoms, so patience is important.
Finally, make sure to communicate any side effects or changes in mood that you experience while taking anxiolytics with your doctor. It’s also important to follow the recommended dosage instructions and not take more than what is prescribed. Remember, anxiolytics are only one part of the treatment plan for anxiety, so it’s essential also to seek counseling or therapy if needed.
In addition to anxiolytics, other treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety can help you understand and manage your symptoms — with or without medication. By combining medication and counseling, you will be better equipped to develop healthy habits for managing stress and anxiety in the long term.
Usually, psychiatrists recommend that people with any anxiety disorder gradually decrease their medication over time. This process should be done in consultation with your doctor and may require additional therapy to help you manage the symptoms of anxiety without relying on medication. There are pros and cons of any medication — including anxiolytics — but with the proper support, it’s possible to reduce or even completely eliminate anxiety symptoms while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Related: Alternatives to Xanax
How Neuro Wellness Spa Can Treat Your Anxiety With Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics can be an effective way to manage GAD symptoms and help you live a more fulfilling life. With proper guidance from a psychiatrist, you can find an anxiety medication that works best for you and use it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Through counseling, medications, and lifestyle changes, you can gain the skills and resources to manage anxiety in the long term.
If you’re living with anxiety and could benefit from an anxiolytic, or if you’re looking for more information about how to manage your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to the mental health experts at Neuro Wellness Spa. Our psychiatrists for anxiety are here to provide compassionate and personalized care and will help you find the best treatment plan for your individual needs, whether it’s psychiatric medications, talk therapy, or TMS therapy. Plus, we’re in-network with most insurance so you can focus on what’s important.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation. If you’re ready to take the first steps towards leading a healthier life, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Resources
- Brandt, J., Bressi, J., Lê, M., Neal, D., Cadogan, C., Witt-Doerring, J., Witt-Doerring, M., & Wright, S. (2024). Prescribing and deprescribing guidance for benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine receptor agonist use in adults with depression, anxiety, and insomnia: an international scoping review. EClinicalMedicine, 70, 102507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102507