Common Anxiety Medications, Types of Medication for Anxiety & Side Effects

Everything You Need to Know About Common Anxiety Medications

Worry, fear, and uneasiness are all emotions that are referred to as anxiety. Although it is normal to experience some level of anxiety at times, intense or persistent anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder. According to several extensive surveys, up to 33.7 percent [1] of people experience some form of anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Common anxiety medications are available to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors may prescribe a good medication for anxiety and depression alone or in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other therapy.

Learn more by taking the “Do I have Anxiety Disorder Quiz.” Find out more about anxiety disorder signs & symptoms. Learn if these anxiety attributes apply to your situation. Please always seek the advice of a healthcare professional in diagnosing mental health issues like anxiety.

In the follow-up “Do I have Anxiety Disorder Quiz,” the more times you answered yes on the anxiety disorder quiz, the more likely you are to suffer from an anxiety disorder. The anxiety quiz questions are designed to indicate an anxiety disorder. But it could be necessary to do a second screening for illnesses like depression or substance abuse that could make an anxiety problem worse.

If you believe you suffer from an anxiety disorder, consult your primary care doctor for an exam. The examination can first rule out physical or environmental causes with traits similar to anxiety. Other ailments like ulcers, asthma, an overactive thyroid, and the overuse of substances that can cause anxiety symptoms, especially caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants, should be part of an overall anxiety diagnosis review.

Get clarify. Get Help. Call us for a free in-depth mental health assessment.

Do I have Anxiety Disorder Quiz

Take the quiz below to learn more about your personal anxiety case. If your anxiety questions responses score 50 points or more, reach out to one of our specialists for further support.

Please enter your email:

1. Do you feel very anxious or worry about a lot of things?

 Yes

 No

2. Do you think you worry excessively?

 Yes

 No

3. Do you worry virtually every day?

 Yes

 No

4. Have you been worrying like this for 6 months or longer?

 Yes

 No

5. Do you find it difficult to stop worrying?

 Yes

 No

6. Are you experiencing physical symptoms like restlessness, feeling tired, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping?

 Yes

 No

7. Does worrying negatively impact you at school, work, with friends & family, or in other areas of your life?

 Yes

 No

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Learn more:

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• Is OCD An Anxiety Disorder?
• Menopause and Anxiety: What’s the Link?
• Sleep Anxiety: Best Sleep Aid For Adults With Anxiety
• Stress vs Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
• Heart Palpitations Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
• Can Anxiety Cause Diarrhea? The Link, Causes & Treatments
• Can Anxiety Cause Nausea? The Link, Signs, & Treatment Options
• Medication for Insomnia and Anxiety: Effective Treatments
• What is the Difference Between Anxiety Tingling and MS Tingling?

6.8 million

GAD affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% receive treatment.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

17.3 million

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 17.3 million American adults, or about 7.1% of the U.S. population aged 18 and older.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Common Medications for Depression and Anxiety List

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants, doctors prescribe them to people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). According to one article[3], doctors consider SSRIs the first-line treatment for anxiety. SSRIs stop nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a vital chemical in mood regulation.

Examples of SSRIs as a medication for severe anxiety and depression may include:

• Fluvoxamine (Luvox).
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva).
• Sertraline (Zoloft).
• Citalopram (Celexa).
• Escitalopram (Lexapro).
• Fluoxetine (Prozac).

Benzodiazepines include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax).
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
• Diazepam (Valium).
• Lorazepam (Ativan).

Doctors rarely recommend benzodiazepines since they lose their effectiveness over time and can be addicted, despite the fact that they are very beneficial for short-term problems. Experts advise against prescribing benzodiazepines for continuous usage for longer than one month due to these concerns. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used by certain persons to treat momentary anxiety. For instance, those who are afraid of flying may take them prior to a flight. Sometimes people will take a benzodiazepine for a few weeks before starting an SSRI to get the SSRI to work.

Side Effects of Common Medications for Anxiety and Depression

The medications in the above list for anxiety and depression may have adverse effects in some patients. Even the best medication for severe anxiety and depression can cause side effects. These typically go away in a few weeks, but it’s important to visit a doctor if they become unbearable or don’t go away. As long as the prescription does not interfere with sleep, some doctors may advise taking several popular anxiety drugs with food to reduce side effects or taking them before night. Depending on the type of anxiety and depression medication taken, a person may have a variety of adverse effects.

SSRIs Side Effects

The side effects of SSRIs can include:

• Blurry vision.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.
• Dry mouth.
• Feeling agitated or restless.
• Gaining weight.
• Headaches.
• Nausea.
• Sexual problems or erectile dysfunction.
• Sleep problems.
• An upset stomach.

SNRIs Side Effects

Similar to SSRI side effects, SNRI side effects include the following:

• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.
• Dry mouth.
• Headaches.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Weight gain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Sexual problems or erectile dysfunction.
• Sleep problems.
• Sweating more than usual.
• An upset stomach.

TCAs Side Effects

TCAs have distinct side effects because of how they operate differently. Potential negative consequences include:

• Blurry vision.
• Constipation.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Dry mouth.
• Drowsiness.
• Increase in appetite.
• Lightheadedness.
• Low blood pressure after standing up.
• Sexual problems or erectile dysfunction.
• Sweating more than usual.
• Tremors.
• Weight loss or gain.

• Blurry vision.
• Confusion.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.

• Headaches.
• Loss of memory or concentration.
• Problems with balance, coordination, or speech.
• An upset stomach.

• Anxiety and restlessness.
• Depression.
• Sleep problems.

• Sweating.
• Seizures.

• Addiction.
• Cognitive decline.
• Hip fractures.

• Motor vehicle accidents can affect a person’s ability to drive.
• Overdose, especially in combination with opioid drugs or alcohol.

• Cold hands and feet.
• Depression.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Low blood pressure.

• Shortness of breath.
• Sleep problems.
• Weight gain.

• Muscle pains.
• Nausea.
• Poor concentration.
• Restlessness or nervousness.
• Sleep problems.
• Sweating.
• Weakness.

• Blurry vision.
• Diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Fatigue.
• Headaches.

• Low blood pressure.
• Nausea.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Sleep problems.
• Sweating.
• Weight gain.
• Drowsiness.

• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Headaches.

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

We Level Up Florida Treatment Center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. In addition, we work as an integrated team providing information about common anxiety medications and other aspects of treatment. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.