Anxiety medication prescription

An anxiety medication is a trusted treatment option for managing symptoms of anxiety disorders, which affect 6.2 percent of the population in the U.S. Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women, with 7.7% experiencing them, compared to 4.6% of men.

Anxiety medications work by influencing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which play a key role in regulating mood, stress response, and emotional stability. People taking anxiety medications often experience reduced feelings of worry, improved sleep, and better overall emotional control, among other benefits.

You can consider an anxiety medication if you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder, and meet the criteria outlined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are several types of anxiety medications available, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers. Consult your healthcare provider to determine which option, if any, is best for you.

A licensed medical professional on Klarity Health can work with you on an anxiety treatment plan tailored to your needs. Your provider may prescribe an anxiety medication as part of your treatment plan if they feel you need it.

Common  SSRI medications for anxiety

• Prozac (fluoxetine) — providers may prescribe off-label for anxiety but is not U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat anxiety disorders
• Zoloft (sertraline) — FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders
• Celexa (citalopram) — providers may prescribe off-label for anxiety but is not FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders
• Lexapro (escitalopram) — FDA-approved to treat GAD

Common SNRI medications for anxiety

• Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) — providers may prescribe off-label for anxiety, but not FDA-approved to treat anxiety
• Cymbalta (duloxetine) — FDA-approved to treat GAD
• Effexor (venlafaxine) — FDA-approved to treat GAD, SAD, and PD

Common tranquilizers for anxiety

• Ativan (lorazepam) — FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders and short-term relief anxiety associated with depression
• Xanax (alprazolam) — FDA-approved to treat GAD and PD
• Valium (diazepam) — FDA-approved to manage anxiety disorders or short-term relief of anxiety symptoms

Common beta-blockers used for anxiety

• Inderal (propranolol) — providers may prescribe off-label for anxiety, but not FDA-approved to treat anxiety
• Sectral (acebutolol) — providers may prescribe off-label for anxiety, but not FDA-approved to treat anxiety
• Zebeta (bisoprolol) — providers may prescribe off-label for anxiety, but not FDA-approved to treat anxiety

Common TCA medications for anxiety

• Amitriptyline — providers may prescribe off-label for anxiety, but not FDA-approved to treat anxiety

Other medications are also used to treat anxiety. Your provider will work with you to determine the best medication, if any, for your needs.

Learn more about anxiety medications.

Important safety information
Medications, including those covered here, can have side effects, some serious. Xanax, Ativan, and Valium are controlled substances and have the risk of dependence or abuse. Talk to your provider or pharmacists before starting a medication and read the medication guide, so you understand what to expect.

Anxiety providers include psychiatrists and other medical doctors (MDs), physician assistants/associates (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and others trained in anxiety medicine or therapy.

MDs, NPs, and PAs can prescribe medications for anxiety. LPCs, LMHCs, and LCSWs cannot prescribe medications in most states, but they are essential for developing tailored treatment plans. They may also collaborate with psychiatrists or other medical doctors who can prescribe medication when necessary.

You can search marketplace services, like Klarity Health, to find licensed anxiety providers for medication and/or therapy.