Learn More About Anxiety Medication
Medications for anxiety are generally safe and effective for battling anxiety symptoms either alone or used in combination with therapy. Below you’ll find a list of articles that will help you learn more about anxiety medications and their potential side effects.
Before you begin a new medication, it’s important that you have a thorough explanation from your prescriber about your dosage and any potential side effects you may experience.
Featured Anxiety Medication Articles
Common Types of Anxiety Medications
Benzodiazepines: Common Medications, Uses, Side Effects & Risks
Benzodiazepines are a group of anxiety medications that are used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety. They have a calming effect by enhancing the work of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain. If you are taking benzodiazepines, you should be aware of potential side effects, risks, and drug interactions.
SNRIs: Types, Side Effects, & Risks
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other conditions. SNRIs work by affecting chemical messengers in the brain, which for some, may help regulate mood and relieve depression symptoms.
SSRIs: Common Medications, Side Effects & Risks
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by decreasing the reuptake or reabsorption of serotonin and increasing the neurotransmitter’s concentration in the brain.1 SSRI medications are first-line treatments for multiple diseases, including depression, anxiety, bulimia, OCD, PTSD, and several others.
Commonly Prescribed Anxiety Medications
Xanax (Alprazolam): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More
Xanax (Alprazolam) belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is used primarily for short-term anxiety/panic disorders. It should be taken only when prescribed by a physician and only as directed.
Wellbutrin For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
Wellbutrin, a medication most often prescribed to treat depression, may also be used to treat anxiety disorders. Choosing Wellbutrin as a treatment may also depend on the efficacy of the medication for a specific type of anxiety disorder.
Lexapro For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
Lexapro is commonly used for the treatment of anxiety disorders because of its effectiveness and side effect profile. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, meaning that it helps regulate serotonin production and reuptake, which can potentially improve anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety Medication Side Effects
Xanax (Alprazolam) Side Effects In Men, Women, & Elderly
Xanax can cause a range of side effects, including drowsiness, headache, and memory loss. More severe side effects include addiction and dependence. It’s important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and report any adverse reactions to your healthcare provider immediately.
Buspirone (Buspar) Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long-Term, & What to Do About Them
Buspirone, commonly known by its brand name Buspar (now discontinued), is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Like any medication, it can have side effects that range from common to severe.
Alternatives to Anxiety Medications
Anxiety Treatment Without Medication: 17 Non-Drug Options
If you’re experiencing stress, worry, fear, anxiety, racing thoughts, or difficulty sleeping, it can be difficult to cope. A few common ways of handling anxiety without medication are exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing, and therapy.
8 Options for Anxiety Therapy
The most common anxiety therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), but others are exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
22 Natural Remedies for Anxiety
There are a broad range of natural methods that can play an integral role in relieving mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety. Natural remedies can also be integrated into first-line conventional types of treatment. These can include lifestyle changes, developing healthy habits, incorporating self-soothing practices, and establishing a strong supportive network.
More Articles About Anxiety Medication
Clonidine for Anxiety: Uses, Side Effects, & More
Clonidine, also known as Catapres or Kapvay, may be used as a treatment for anxiety symptoms. It provides similar effects as beta-blockers in that it manages blood pressure, which can help patients with their anxiety symptoms.
Klonopin for Anxiety: How It Works & Comparisons to Other Medications
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, a type of anti-anxiety medication. Some may find it effective for treating anxiety symptoms because it acts as a long-acting sedative. However, Klonopin has many risks, including misuse, and addiction.
Pristiq for Anxiety: How It Works & Comparisons to Other Medications
Pristiq, or desvenlafaxine, is currently only FDA-approved for the treatment of depression in adults. However, it has also been studied and used off-label for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. Studies have shown that Pristiq can be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety.
Anxiety Treatment Without Medication: 17 Non-Drug Options
If you’re experiencing stress, worry, fear, anxiety, racing thoughts, or difficulty sleeping, it can be difficult to cope. A few common ways of handling anxiety without medication are exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing, and therapy.
Medication for Social Anxiety: Types, Side Effects, & Management
Medication, in combination with therapy, is considered the frontline treatment for social anxiety disorder. Fortunately, prescriptions that are FDA approved for this disorder are a generally safe and effective option when addressing symptoms. However, it is recommended that you have a conversation with your prescribing practitioner about any risks, benefits, and side effects associated with any medication when considering options
Anxiety Medication During Pregnancy: Safety, Risks & Questions to Ask
Certain anxiety medications are safe to take during pregnancy. Medications like benzodiazepines and antidepressants are associated with different risks, but so is untreated anxiety. You should always weigh the risks and benefits of medications with your prescriber to determine if it is right for you. If you’re pregnant, you can also benefit from talk therapy to help manage your anxiety.
