When anxiety becomes overwhelming, therapy alone may not always be enough. Medication can play a powerful role in a comprehensive treatment plan—helping to regulate brain chemistry, calm the body, and make it easier to benefit from therapy and daily coping strategies.

At Graceland Psychiatry, we help you understand your medication options and create a treatment plan that’s personalized, safe, and evidence-based.

Anxiety medications are prescribed to reduce symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, racing thoughts, irritability, or physical tension. While not a cure, they can make anxiety more manageable and improve overall functioning—especially when combined with therapy.

There are several types of medications commonly used to treat anxiety, each working differently in the brain and body.

Read More About How Anxiety Affects Your Body

1. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Often the first-line treatment for anxiety, SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms.

Common options: Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil)
Used for: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder
Onset: 4–6 weeks
Possible side effects: Mild nausea, sleep changes, appetite shifts, low libido

2. SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs but also boost norepinephrine, a key chemical in the body’s stress response.

Common options: Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Used for: GAD, panic symptoms
Possible side effects: Slightly increased blood pressure, dry mouth, dizziness

3. Benzodiazepines (Short-Term Use Only)

Fast-acting medications that can quickly relieve severe anxiety or panic attacks. However, due to the risk of dependence, they are prescribed only for short-term or situational use.

Common options: Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Onset: Within minutes to an hour
Risks: Sedation, dependence, withdrawal if stopped suddenly

4. Buspirone

A non-sedating, non-addictive option used mainly for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It works differently than benzodiazepines and has a lower risk of side effects.

Brand name: BuSpar
Onset: A few weeks
Pros: Safe for long-term use, minimal drowsiness
Cons: May not be effective for everyone

5. Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling, sweating, or a racing heartbeat—especially in performance or social situations.

Common option: Propranolol
Best for: Performance or situational anxiety
Note: Not typically used for chronic, generalized anxiety

6. Other Options (Often Off-Label)

Some medications not specifically approved for anxiety may still provide relief in certain cases:

• Hydroxyzine: A sedating antihistamine for acute anxiety episodes

• Gabapentin / Pregabalin: Used in select anxiety-related cases

• Atypical antipsychotics: Reserved for treatment-resistant anxiety

Not everyone with anxiety needs medication. The decision depends on:

• The severity and type of your symptoms

• Whether you’ve already tried therapy

• Your medical and psychiatric history

• Personal comfort level and lifestyle

At Graceland Psychiatry, our licensed providers will help you explore all options and decide what’s best for you—without pressure or judgment.

Your Path to Calm Starts Here

Research consistently shows that therapy plus medication can provide the strongest results for anxiety treatment.
Medication can help regulate your symptoms so you can focus, participate fully in therapy, and make lasting progress toward recovery.

See How Graceland Supports Anxiety Care

• Most medications take a few weeks to reach full effect.

• You may need to try more than one to find the right fit.

• Regular follow-ups with your provider ensure safe adjustments.

• Never stop or change medication without medical supervision.

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