Mental health medications
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Several types of medication are used to treat anxiety disorders. Learn how they work, the difference between long-term and short-term options, side effects and important warnings.
At a glance
- Medication class
- Medications used for anxiety (SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, benzodiazepines, others)
- Examples (generic name, brand name)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- buspirone
- hydroxyzine
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
Examples are for education only and are not a complete list or a recommendation.
Boxed warning: Benzodiazepines carry an FDA boxed warning about risks of misuse, addiction, physical dependence and withdrawal reactions, and about serious risks — including slowed breathing and death — when combined with opioids. SSRIs and SNRIs carry the antidepressant boxed warning about suicidal thoughts in people under 25.
What are anti-anxiety medications?
“Anti-anxiety medications” describes several different types of drugs used to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders. Some are taken daily for longer-term relief; others act quickly and are used short-term.
What they’re used for
Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and some other anxiety-related conditions. The choice depends on the type of anxiety, other health conditions and individual factors.
How they work
- SSRIs and SNRIs: antidepressants that adjust serotonin (and norepinephrine) signaling over several weeks.
- Buspirone: acts on serotonin receptors; used for generalized anxiety and takes weeks to work.
- Benzodiazepines: enhance the calming effect of the neurotransmitter GABA and act within minutes to hours.
- Hydroxyzine: an antihistamine sometimes used for short-term anxiety relief.
How they’re taken
Most are taken by mouth. Daily medications such as SSRIs are taken regularly; some fast-acting medications may be prescribed for limited periods. Your prescriber will provide instructions — this page does not provide dosing guidance.
Common side effects
- SSRIs/SNRIs: nausea, headache, sleep changes, sexual side effects.
- Buspirone: dizziness, nausea, headache.
- Benzodiazepines: drowsiness, dizziness, slowed thinking, unsteadiness.
- Hydroxyzine: drowsiness, dry mouth.
Serious side effects
Seek medical help for signs of an allergic reaction, extreme drowsiness or slowed breathing, confusion, falls, worsening mood or thoughts of suicide.
Warnings
- Benzodiazepines can cause dependence. Stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal, including seizures — changes should be planned with a prescriber.
- Combining benzodiazepines with opioids, alcohol or other sedatives can be life-threatening.
- Older adults are at greater risk of falls and confusion with sedating medications.
Interactions
Sedating medications can interact with alcohol, opioids, sleep medications and antihistamines. SSRIs and SNRIs have their own interactions. Share a full list of medications and supplements with your prescriber and pharmacist.
Questions to ask your healthcare professional
- Is this medication meant for daily, longer-term use or short-term relief?
- How long until it works, and how will we judge whether it’s helping?
- What are the risks of dependence, and how would I stop safely?
- Should I combine this with therapy?
Related medication classes
Find care
Find the right support
Compare types of care — from online therapy to psychiatry — and learn what to consider before choosing a provider.
Explore care optionsWhen to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsFrequently asked questions
Why don’t doctors prescribe benzodiazepines long-term more often?
Are beta-blockers used for anxiety?
References
We rely on government health agencies, professional medical organizations, peer-reviewed research and academic institutions. Read our sourcing standards.
About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 11, 2026
- Last updated
- September 22, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending