Anti-Anxiety Medication List for Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options

Feeling anxious is a normal part of life, but for some people, it can become a persistent issue that affects their daily activities, work, school, or personal life. When anxiety reaches the level of a medical disorder, it is important to seek professional help and consider therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

In this guide, we will review a comprehensive anti-anxiety medication list to help you understand the options available to you. We will explain the benefits of taking medications for anxiety, offer a list of medications and tips on taking them, and answer the most common questions on this topic.

What Are Anti-Anxiety Medications?

Anti-anxiety medications, or anxiolytics, are a class of drugs prescribed to manage the symptoms of anxiety—excessive worry, rapid breathing, sweating, fatigue, insomnia, lack of concentration, etc.—and treat anxiety disorders. These medications affect the brain chemicals—neurotransmitters—to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, promote calm, and help the person cope with stress.

Popular Medications for Anxiety Relief

Here is a list of the most common drugs used to treat anxiety:

• Benzodiazepine. Drugs such as diazepam and lorazepam are fast-acting medications that provide short-term relief for anxiety symptoms but may be addictive if taken for a long time.
• Antidepressants. Drugs such as fluoxetine and sertraline are often associated with depression; however, they can be effective for anxiety as well if taken consistently for several months.
• Buspirone. This medication is designed to treat chronic anxiety. While it will not bring fast relief, in the long run, buspirone will help you feel less anxious.

How to Choose the Right Medication for Anxiety

Several factors can influence the choice of medication:

• Consult With a Doctor. A healthcare provider will diagnose you, give you a prescription, and monitor your progress and side effects during the treatment.
• Consider Your Symptoms. Be honest with your doctor when you describe the way anxiety affects your life—this way, you will get a personalized prescription that suits your needs.
• Review the Side Effects. Make sure you know the adverse effects of the drugs you are taking and discontinue the medication if the side effects are severe.

Potential Side Effects of Anti-Anxiety Medications

While anti-anxiety drugs can greatly benefit the person, giving them mental clarity and stopping the feelings of worry and fear, they may have adverse effects as well:

• Drowsiness and Fatigue. You may feel tired, sleepy, and lethargic when you start taking medications from our list.
• Dependence and Withdrawal. Certain medications—benzodiazepines, in particular—are only supposed to be taken for a few weeks to prevent addiction.
• Physical and Psychological Symptoms. In case you have symptoms such as nausea, weight fluctuations, headaches, irritability, or confusion, you should talk to your doctor and stop the medication.

FAQs

What do anti-anxiety medications do?

The purpose of anti-anxiety drugs is to interact with brain chemicals responsible for the feelings of unease and fear and alleviate these symptoms.

What is the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication?

Out of all the medications listed above, Diazepam is probably the most popular drug in this category – it has been on the market for over sixty years.

Who is eligible for anti-anxiety medication?

You can get a prescription for anti-anxiety drugs if a certified healthcare provider diagnoses you with anxiety after evaluating your symptoms.

What are the side effects of anti-anxiety medications?

These drugs may make you feel drowsy and tired; additionally, you may suffer from nausea, have trouble concentrating, and feel irritable.

Should you take anti-anxiety medications?

If anxiety negatively affects your life, talk to your doctor and ask them whether drug therapy is an option for you.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Anxiety

We hope that our guide has helped you learn more about the benefits of anti-anxiety medications and realize the importance of drug therapy to treat your disorder. If you are looking for a professional to diagnose you, reach out to Mental Health Modesto – our specialists will be there for you. Talk to our experts, get a personalized prescription, and start your journey to better mental health.