Anxiety medication is one possible part of treatment for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, treatment of contributing health problems, and medication can all have roles, and the best approach depends on the type and severity of anxiety and the person’s circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety treatment can include psychotherapy, medication or both.
- Different anxiety medicines have different onset times, side effects and dependence risks.
- Benzodiazepines require particular care with opioids and other sedatives.
- Medication changes should be discussed with the prescribing professional.
When anxiety becomes a health problem
Anxiety is a normal response to stress, but an anxiety disorder can involve persistent worry, fear, physical symptoms, avoidance, sleep problems and impairment in everyday life. Evaluation is useful when symptoms are frequent, difficult to control, or interfere with relationships, work or normal activities.
Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, breathlessness or dizziness can also occur with medical conditions, so new or severe symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety.
Major anxiety medication classes
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are commonly used for several anxiety disorders. Buspirone is used in some situations. Benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety quickly but require careful use because of sedation, interaction and dependence risks.
Different medicines have different timelines. Some treatments are taken consistently and may take time to provide full benefit, while certain medicines are used for shorter-term or selected circumstances.
Side effects and interactions
Side effects vary by medicine and can include gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep changes, dizziness, sexual side effects or activation, among others. Sedating medicines can impair driving. Combining benzodiazepines with opioids or other central nervous system depressants can create serious risks.
A prescriber should know about all medicines, supplements, alcohol and other substances so potential interactions can be considered.
Dependence and stopping medication
Some anxiety medicines can cause physical dependence. Abruptly stopping certain antidepressants can also produce discontinuation symptoms even though that is different from addiction. Medication changes should be individualized rather than based on a generic online taper schedule.
Psychotherapy and combined treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an established treatment for many anxiety disorders. Some people use psychotherapy alone, some use medication, and others benefit from a combination. Treatment can also address sleep, caffeine use, physical activity, substance use and other factors that influence anxiety.
Related Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Which anxiety medication is best?
There is no single best medicine for everyone. The choice depends on the anxiety disorder, symptoms, other health conditions, medicines, side-effect risks and treatment goals.
Do anxiety medicines work immediately?
Some medicines act quickly, while commonly used antidepressants may take time. The expected timeline depends on the specific treatment.
Can anxiety medication be stopped suddenly?
Some medicines can cause withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms. Discuss changes with the prescribing healthcare professional.