Imagine you’re about to give a big presentation in front of a large crowd. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and you feel a flutter of nerves. This is a normal reaction, but what if those feelings didn’t stop, even after the presentation was over? You find yourself worrying about what you said, how it was perceived, and analyzing every detail to the point where it consumes you. This might be a sign of something more than just a normal reaction.
For those experiencing this level of anxiety, medication might be a helpful option. Let’s take a closer look at types of medication for anxiety, what you can expect, and how they can help you overcome everyday stresses.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress that helps you stay alert and prepared for challenges. It’s normal to feel anxious about things like health or finances. However, when anxious feelings last for extended periods or happen without a clear cause, they may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition in the U.S., affecting nearly one in five adults. Common types of anxiety disorders include:
It’s important to know when anxiety shifts from being a normal emotion to a condition that may require speaking to a doctor. If symptoms last for weeks or months, interfere with daily tasks, or cause you to avoid situations or people that trigger fear, it’s time to consider reaching out for support.
Signs that you might need to see a doctor for anxiety treatment include:
Seeing a doctor doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be prescribed medication, but it may be considered as a part of your treatment plan.
Treating anxiety disorders may require prescription medications that help to reduce symptoms. The four main categories of medications that are commonly prescribed include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs are a first-line treatment for treating anxiety disorders like panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Not only are these medications effective in treating anxiety, but they are also well-tolerated for many people.
SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood, and these medications stop it from being quickly recycled back into brain cells. This allows serotonin to stay active longer, which ultimately helps to improve communication between brain cells and reduce anxiety.
By increasing serotonin, SSRIs can:
SSRIs that are prescribed for anxiety include:
SNRIs are another first-line treatment for anxiety and are generally well-tolerated for most people. Like SSRIs, these medications increase serotonin levels in the brain; however, they also raise norepinephrine levels, which is a chemical that supports focus and energy. This dual action can provide extra benefits for those experiencing both emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, such as fatigue or muscle tension.
SNRIs are often prescribed when SSRIs are not effective or well-tolerated. Commonly prescribed SNRIs for anxiety include:
TCAs are older medications that can be helpful for anxiety, especially when other treatments like SSRIs and SNRIs haven’t worked well. These medications not only increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, but they also interact with serotonin receptors, which can make them more effective in treating anxiety.
Although TCAs can be effective, they are prescribed less often today because they can cause more side effects compared to newer medications. Some TCAs that may be prescribed for anxiety include:
Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system. Because of this, they’re able to relieve severe anxiety symptoms quickly.
While benzodiazepines can be helpful in the short-term for conditions like PD, GAD, and SAD, they are no longer considered a first-line choice due to its risk of dependence, tolerance, and misuse. Instead, they are commonly used alongside SSRIs or SNRIs for additional symptom relief. Benzodiazepines that may be used to treat anxiety include:
In addition to commonly prescribed medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, there are other medications that can help ease anxiety symptoms. These include beta-blockers, buspirone, and bupropion.
Beta-blockers, like propranolol, are primarily used for heart conditions but are sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety, especially for performance-related anxiety (stage fright) or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Propranolol reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as:
In one study, patients treated with propranolol (160 mg daily) experienced a significant decrease in physical anxiety symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
Buspirone is a medication that is approved for treating GAD. It is typically used alongside SSRIs or SNRIs for people who don’t fully respond to those medications or can’t tolerate them.
Buspirone works by partially activating serotonin receptors in the brain, which helps to regulate mood and anxiety levels. Unlike fast-acting anxiety treatments, buspirone has a gradual effect and can take between 10 days and 4 weeks to show results. It’s typically taken two to three times a day to reach the desired effect.
Bupropion is approved for conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and smoking cessation. Although not officially approved for anxiety, it is sometimes used off-label alongside SSRIs to manage anxiety symptoms.
Bupropion works differently from SSRIs and SNRIs by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. A large meta-analysis that included nearly 3,000 patients found that bupropion provided similar improvements in anxiety symptoms compared to SSRIs.
Like all medications, anxiety treatments can come with side effects. It’s important that you maintain consistent communication with your doctor regarding any side effects you experience so that they can either adjust the dosage or switch you to a different medication.
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
As mentioned previously, TCAs are less commonly prescribed due to their more adverse side effects. These may include:
Buspirone is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects like:
Rarely, buspirone may cause movement disorders, so patients should inform their doctor if they notice any unusual symptoms.
Medication is one way to manage your anxiety, but alternative treatments can be just as effective. It may be worth considering adding the following to your treatment plan:
While anxiety can have an immense impact on your life, medication can help you find relief from your symptoms so that you can tackle everyday challenges with confidence. From SSRIs and SNRIs to beta-blockers and buspirone, there are several medications for anxiety available to help reduce your symptoms and support your overall mental health.
If anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day life, it may be time to speak to a mental health professional about your options. Take control of your anxiety by contacting us today.
The prevalence of undiagnosed anxiety: A national survey – Journal of Affective Disorders Reports
Pharmacotherapy for Anxiety Disorders: From First-Line Options to Treatment Resistance – Focus
Does Bupropion Increase Anxiety? – Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
A Grounding Technique Using the 5 Senses – National Alliance on Mental Illness
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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