If you’re dealing with anxiety, you may be wondering what treatment options are available and whether medication could help.
While it’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, anxiety disorders can affect how you think, feel and function in daily life. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 40 million adults in the U.S. experience anxiety each year.
“Many people find that the anticipation of anxiety can feel worse than the situation itself,” said Saurabh Jauhari, a psychiatrist at Banner Health Center in Sun City West, AZ.
The good news is that anxiety is treatable. In some cases, your provider may recommend medication as part of your care plan. Here’s what to know about common types of anxiety medications and how they work.
What medications are used to treat anxiety?
Several types of medications are used to treat anxiety, each working in different ways to help manage symptoms.
What is the best medication for anxiety?
The best medication depends on your symptoms, medical history and how your body responds to treatment. Many providers start with medications like SSRIs or SNRIs, but other options may be used based on individual needs.
SSRIs and SNRIs (first-line anxiety medications)
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety and major depressive disorder. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR.
- Pros: SSRIs work for a lot of people who suffer from symptoms of anxiety and they have a solid safety profile.
- Cons: They can take four to six weeks to build up in your system. They could cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and could lead to low sodium levels. For a small number of people, they cause sexual side effects.
Antihistamines (Vistaril) for short term anxiety
Vistaril is an antihistamine that can treat itching from allergies as well as anxiety.
- Pro: You can take Vistaril as needed, for short-term anxiety relief such as before surgery.
- Cons: It can cause dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision or constipation.
Buspirone (Buspar) for ongoing anxiety
Buspar increases your levels of the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
- Pros: Along with relieving anxiety it can improve your sense of well-being and help you think more clearly and worry less.
- Cons: It can lead to dizziness and drowsiness with nausea.
Atypical antipsychotics (Abilify, Seroquel)
Abilify and Seroquel are typical antipsychotics that can treat a range of mental health and mood disorders, including depression episodes and bipolar 1 disorder, by helping to balance certain brain chemicals.
- Pros: They work quickly, so you can get relief within a few days.
- Cons: They can make you drowsy, though that can be a benefit if you’re having trouble sleeping. They can cause muscle stiffness, spasms, dry mouth and involuntary body movements. Rare but serious side effects, like neuroleptic malignant syndrome, can occur and require immediate medical attention.
Benzodiazepines (short-term anxiety relief)
Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers—common types are diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
- Pro: They can give you immediate relief.
- Cons: You can only use them short-term since you can become dependent on them and build up resistance to them.
Beta blockers (for performance anxiety)
The beta blocker Propranolol is approved for social anxiety.
- Pros: You can take it to reduce anxiety before stage performances or public speaking. It doesn’t make you sleepy.
- Cons: It can increase the risk of low blood pressure or dizziness.
How long do anxiety medications take to work?
Some medications, like SSRIs and SNRIs, can take several weeks to become effective. Others, like benzodiazepines, may work quickly but are typically used short term.
How do you choose the right anxiety medication?
Your doctor can recommend the best medication to help control your anxiety. There are different types of anxiety disorders, so different medications may be better choices for your type. Your doctor will also consider your other health conditions and medications, and whether you have a family history of responding better to a certain medication. It is important to report side effects of any medication to your provider. It's essential to consider potential allergic reactions, especially for individuals with known allergies to certain medications, to ensure safe and effective treatment for anxiety. Since you might be taking medication long-term, you may want to factor in affordability.
What other treatments help with anxiety?
Medications for anxiety are safe and effective and are good options for many people. But some people want to avoid medication, and some want to combine medication with other treatments. You can try:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a first-line treatment for anxiety, and phobias can respond to biofeedback and exposure therapy.
- Stress management techniques. You can learn breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation to reduce anxiety.
- Lifestyle modifications. Getting enough quality sleep, exercising, and avoiding alcohol, illicit drugs and excessive caffeine can help reduce anxiety.
- Support groups. Connecting with people who share your experiences can be valuable.
Frequently asked questions about anxiety medications
What is the most common medication for anxiety?
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment.
Are anxiety medications safe?
They are generally safe when used as prescribed, but side effects vary.
Do anxiety medications work right away?
Some take weeks to work, while others provide faster relief.
Can you stop anxiety medication suddenly?
No, many medications need to be tapered under medical supervision.
The bottom line
Anxiety is treatable, and medications can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan. can be debilitating but it is treatable. With the right therapies, lifestyle changes, and medication, you can control your anxiety and you’ll be able to function well, be productive and live your life.
For a referral to a Banner Health mental health professional who can help treat your anxiety, visit bannerhealth.com.
If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
To learn more about anxiety and mental health issues, check out:
- Could I Benefit from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?
- Anxiety vs. Depression: How to Spot the Signs and Get Help
- Myths About Bipolar Disorder
- Am I Having a Panic Attack? Signs and How to Cope
- Tardive Dyskinesia: A Common Culprit of Face and Body Tics
- Can Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain? What You Need to Know
Updates were made to this article on April 14, 2026.
