Is There Medication for Anxiety?

If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting approximately 18% of Americans over age 18 in 2022. While therapy and lifestyle changes are helpful, many people also benefit from medication as part of their treatment plan.

Let’s explore the types of anxiety medication, how they work and what to know if you have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD.

Best Anxiety Medication: What Are the Options?

There’s no single “best anxiety medication” for everyone. The most effective treatment depends on the type of anxiety, your health history and how your body responds. However, several classes of medication are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

SSRIs are typically the first-line treatment for most anxiety disorders. They increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and anxiety. Common SSRIs include:

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)

SSRIs may take 4 to 6 weeks to become fully effective and are usually taken daily.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

SNRIs increase production of serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help with mood and physical symptoms of anxiety. Common SNRIs include:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

SNRIs are often used for generalized anxiety disorder and also help treat chronic pain.

Benzodiazepines

These fast-acting medications are sometimes used for acute anxiety or panic attacks. They’re typically prescribed short-term due to their potential for dependence. Examples include:

• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Diazepam (Valium)

Benzodiazepines are effective for immediate relief but aren’t considered a long-term solution.

Buspirone

Buspirone is an antianxiety medication that isn’t addictive and doesn’t cause sedation. It’s often used for chronic anxiety but may take several weeks to work.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are sometimes prescribed to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or trembling, particularly in performance situations.

ADHD Medications for Anxiety

If you have ADHD and anxiety, choosing the right medication becomes more complex. Stimulants, commonly used to treat ADHD, can sometimes worsen anxiety symptoms. However, this isn’t always the case.

Stimulants and Anxiety

Medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) or amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse) are the standard treatment for ADHD. For some people, these medications reduce anxiety because they improve focus and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. For others, they may cause increased jitteriness or restlessness.

Nonstimulant ADHD Medications

If stimulants worsen your anxiety, your doctor may recommend nonstimulant options, such as:

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Guanfacine (Intuniv)
• Clonidine (Kapvay)

These medications can help regulate attention and mood without triggering anxiety, especially in adults.

Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety

There’s no universal answer regarding medication for adults with ADHD and anxiety, but many do well with:

• A low dose of stimulant medication, carefully monitored
• A combination of an SSRI and a stimulant
• Nonstimulants, such as Strattera, especially when anxiety is severe

Working with a psychiatrist who understands co-occurring disorders is essential. It may take time to adjust to treatment, so open communication about symptoms is key.

What to Expect When Starting Anxiety Medication

If you’re starting medication for the first time, it helps to know what to expect.

• Onset time. Most antidepressants take several weeks to show full effects.
• Side effects. You might experience nausea, sleep changes or increased anxiety at first. These usually fade.
• Check-ins. Regular follow-ups help health providers track progress and adjust dosages if needed.
• No sudden stopping. Always taper off under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Taking medication is a personal decision. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken. For many people, it’s a life-changing tool for stability and relief.

When to Consider Medication for Anxiety

Medication may be a good option if:

• Anxiety is interfering with your work, relationships or daily life.
• You experience panic attacks or physical symptoms.
• Therapy alone hasn’t been enough.
• You struggle to sleep, focus or feel safe.

Many people benefit most from combining medication with therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches skills to manage anxious thoughts and behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions