“What medications work for anxiety?”

Dependent upon the individual

Several classes of medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The choice of medication depends on the specific type of anxiety disorder, the patient's overall health, and other individual factors. Here are the main categories of medications used to manage anxiety:



Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

Commonly prescribed as the first line of treatment for anxiety disorders.
Examples:
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Citalopram (Celexa)

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs):

Also frequently used for anxiety.
Examples:
Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Benzodiazepines:

Used for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms due to their potential for dependence and tolerance.
Examples:
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Diazepam (Valium)

Buspirone (Buspar):

An anxiolytic that is used for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
It is less sedating than benzodiazepines and has a lower risk of dependence.

Beta-Blockers:

Primarily used for physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat.
Examples:
Propranolol (Inderal)
Atenolol (Tenormin)

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs):

Sometimes used for anxiety disorders, though they generally have more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs.
Examples:
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

Less commonly used due to dietary restrictions and potential side effects.
Examples:
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Other Medications:

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril): An antihistamine with anxiolytic properties, sometimes used for short-term relief.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Pregabalin (Lyrica): Sometimes used off-label for anxiety.


It's important for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for their specific situation. In addition to medication, therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) and lifestyle changes can be highly effective in managing anxiety.

Thank you for reaching out to Hood Meditation for your mental health question. Anxiety can be challenging and at times may seem impossible to cope with. Small things like leaving the room or going outside can be effective. One other technique that some people use when calming their anxiety is counting backwards. When trying out this technique, find a quiet place, close your eyes and count backwards until you feel your anxiety subside. We offer a variety of mental health services and workshops. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Mental health is WEALTH - Veleniss

Consult with a psychiatrist for medication treatment. Everyone responds differently to different kinds.

There are various medications that work for anxiety. Medications like prozac and zoloft are approved to treat different anxiety disorders. Certain types of anxiety can be well managed through just therapy. The treatment of anxiety involves identifying the type of anxiety and its severity which can be done through seeking help from a mental health provider. I would recommend seeing a mental health provider and coming up with a plan together with them, that works for you.

It depends on the specific situation. Sometimes no medications are needed, I use Hypnotherapy