“Can anti-anxiety medications help with depression?”

Depression and anxiety tend to affect similar neurotransmitters in the brain. Therefore, the impact of SSRI's and SNRI's (typically the first line medications used) tends to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. These types of medications tend to take 4 to 6 weeks before you feel them working, and doses are tapered up slowly. There are other medications that can be used as more short-term (as needed) needs as well. I recommend consulting with a psychiatrist to identify which medication may be best for your individual needs.

Namaste,  I am a licensed psychologist and do not prescribe medication.  You need to bring up this issue with a psychiatrist who prescribes those medicines.  You may also want to contact your PCP, or your insurance company to get a referral to a psychiatrist in your area. In the meantime you may want to read "Feeling Good" and "Anxiety and Phobia workbook" to start helping yourself. Take care and stay safe.

The answer to your question depends on the actual medication is. People being treated for anxiety are generally prescribed an SSRI/SNRI for mood stabilization and a Benzodiazepine or similar medication to reduce panic attack-like symptoms in the moment. A Benzodiazepine would not be helpful for depression. However, SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression.

It is also worth noting that the two diagnoses (i.e., anxiety and depression) are often comorbid (aka they occur together) so it is not surprising that medication that is prescribed for individuals with one disorder is also prescirbed for individuals with the other.

I hope this helps.

Antidepressant medications are first line treatment for depression. Some antidepressants also treat anxiety but drugs used primarily to treat anxiety would not usually be indicated to treat depression. Melanie Sholtis, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist (240)-210-9003