Anxiety Medications
There are a lot of choices for anxiety medications.
SSRIs
Yes, SSRIs can be used for anxiety in addition to depression! The anxiety medications of this class most commonly prescribed include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa.
SNRIs
Similarly, SNRIs can also be used as anxiety medications. Some examples include Effexor, Cymbalta, and Fetzima. SNRIs aren’t necessarily better or worse than SSRIs for anxiety. It just depends on the individual.
Benzodiazepines
These are quite a controversial option. There is a potential for addiction. They are very powerful. I use Xanax on occasion and am grateful to have it. Xanax is the most popular one at the moment. I was prescribed Valium at one point, as well.
Buspirone
Buspirone is a more harmless option as an anxiety medication. There isn’t much risk for addiction, and there isn’t going to be a noticeable physiological reaction. It’s rather similar to taking an SSRI. Some people find it to be effective. Approximately 54% of people have a positive reaction to it.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is not originally an anxiety medication. It’s an anticonvulsant frequently prescribed off-label for anxiety. It’s one of my favorite medications. It makes me feel more comfortable to be alive.
Beta-Blockers
These are more mild anxiety medications. The primary one is propranolol. It’s often used for things like stage fright or other anxiety-provoking events. I take it and find it to be mildly helpful, which is certainly not bad.
Anti-Psychotics
These would probably not be your first choice, but they are known to be prescribed for anxiety or incidentally benefit someone with anxiety. Anti-psychotics that have been found to function as anxiety medications include quetiapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone.