Anxiety Medications


There a number of different medications available for the treatment of anxiety. Prescription medications should never be taken without the advice of a qualified medical professional. The information on this page is designed as a rough guide to enable you to discuss your treatment with more confidence.

Anti-anxiety medication will not usually cure your anxiety. What it will do, however, is alleviate some of the worst symptoms and allow you to put strategies in place for dealing with your anxiety. Unfortunately, there is not a magic wand that can be waved to make anxiety disappear.

The wide range of medicines that are available can be quite confusing and intimidating. Not all of them will work for every individual. It can often be a case of trial and error before the correct type and dose is established. Also, certain drugs can make you feel worse before you feel better, which can often be quite frightening. When starting on a course of medication, regular contact should be made with your doctor so that he/she can offer you advice and monitor any possible side-effects. You should feel able to contact your doctor at any time to discuss your medication and try and be aware of any changes to your mood and general health.

Table of drugs used to treat anxiety disorders

Generic NameBrand NamesGroupDescription
DiazapamValiumBenzodiazepinesPrescribed for short term relief of anxiety when the effect of that anxiety is severe. Can lead to addiction and cause withdrawal symptoms.
AlprazolamXanax, Xanor, NiravamBenzodiazepinesUsed to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders. Most commonly misused benzodiazepine in the US because of its potentially addictive properties.
BusiproneBuSparSerotonin 1A agonistUsed to treat mild to moderate Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Does not have as high a potential for missuse and addiction as the Benzodiazepenes
FluoxetineProzac, Fontex, Ladose, Sarafem, Solax, LovanAntidepressantUsually used to treat depression but can also be used to treat panic disorders and anxiety. Can take up to 6 weeks before a theraputic effect is felt
PropranololInderal, Inderal LA, AvlocardylBeta BlockerReduce physical symptoms of social anxiety by lowering the heart rate. Banned by the IOC (International Olympic Commitee) because they can be used as a performance enhancing drug in disciplines such as shooting and archery. Sometimes used by musicians to counter the effects of 'stage fright'.
CitalopramCelaxa, Cipramil, Citrol, Seropram, TalamAntidpressantNormally prescribed for patients suffering from depression. Can also be prescribed to help deal with anxiety disorders.

Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, it should give you an idea of some of the drugs that your doctor will consider prescribing for your anxiety disorder

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