Psychotherapy and medication are two of the most common treatments for generalized anxiety disorder. Approximately 9.7 million people in the United States have prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication. Over the years, that number has only increased.

 

When used alongside other therapy treatments, medication can be an effective treatment approach for people with generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety medication may be taken for a short period of time by some people. For example, individuals experiencing sudden changes in their anxiety symptoms or anxiety before a stressful event (situational anxiety) may take anxiety medication to help manage their short-term symptoms.

 

However, there are also people who take anxiety medication long-term. Typically, such people include those with chronic or recurring anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder. Individuals who have not responded well to other forms of treatment, such as therapy or lifestyle changes, may also be prescribed anxiety medication for the long term. People with certain medical or psychiatric conditions that contribute to chronic anxiety symptoms may benefit from long-term use of anxiety medication.

 

For some people with anxiety disorders, long-term or indefinite use of medication may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively. Factors that can influence the decision to continue or stop using medication include: 

 

• The severity and chronicity of the anxiety disorder
• The individual’s response to medication
• The presence of co-occurring conditions (such as depression)

 

Commonly used generalized anxiety disorder medication classes

 

There are several general anxiety disorder medication classes that psychiatrists and other licensed physicians can prescribe. Here’s a list of some of the most common classes and how they work:

 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — SSRIs are a class of antidepressant that can also be used as a medication for generalized anxiety disorder. This medication is considered the first-line drug treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs stop nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a hormone that plays an important role in mood regulation. It usually takes about two to six weeks for SSRIs to begin to take effect, though they don’t work for everyone. Side effects may include:

 

• • Nausea
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness and agitation
  • Restlessness
  • Dizziness

 

SSRIs are FDA approved to treat a number of conditions, including anxiety.

 

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) — SNRIs are another class of antidepressant that may work for people with generalized anxiety disorder. Doctors also consider SNRIs a first-line treatment for anxiety. SNRIs work by reducing the brain’s reabsorption of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. These are hormones and neurotransmitters that play an important role in emotions and mood regulation. It usually takes about two to six weeks for SNRIs to begin to take effect. Side effects may include: 

 

• • Feeling agitated, shaky or anxious
  • Feeling and being sick
  • Indigestion and stomachaches
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness, insomnia or fatigue
  • Headaches

 

SNRIs are FDA approved to treat a number of conditions, including anxiety.

 

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) — TCAs are also a class of antidepressants that can work for generalized anxiety disorder. However, since this medication class has more adverse side effects, doctors are more likely to prescribe SSRIs or SNRIs first. TCAs may be useful for people who don’t respond well to other medications. TCAs work by reducing the brain’s reabsorption of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. These are hormones and neurotransmitters that play an important role in emotions and mood regulation. It usually takes about two to four weeks for TCAs to begin to take effect. Side effects may include: 

 

• Dry mouth
• Slight blurring of vision
• Constipation
• Problems passing urine
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Excessive sweating, especially at night 

 

TCAs are FDA approved to treat depression, but only some are FDA approved to treat anxiety.

 

• Benzodiazepines — Benzodiazepines are a class of sedative. They encourage relaxation and can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety such as tense muscles. This medication class usually takes effect within one to two hours and can be highly effective for short-term issues, but doctors tend to prescribe them in low doses as needed rather than daily. This is because people who take benzodiazepines regularly can build up a tolerance to them, meaning they may become less effective over time. Low, as-needed doses are also intended to help stop people from becoming dependent on benzodiazepines. Side effects of this medication class may include:

 

• • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Confusion
  • Unsteadiness
  • Dizziness
  • Slurred speech
  • Muscle weakness
  • Memory problems 

 

Benzodiazepines are FDA approved, but they also have FDA warnings associated with them due to adverse side effects and the potential for addiction. 

 

• Beta blockers — Beta blockers are a class of medication often used for people with high blood pressure and heart conditions. However, doctors may prescribe them to treat anxiety in certain situations, such as if SSRIs or similar drugs haven’t been effective. Beta blockers can take effect in as little as one hour and reduce the effects of norepinephrine, which can decrease the physical symptoms of anxiety. Side effects may include: 

 

• • Feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded
  • Cold fingers or toes
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
  • Difficulty getting an erection or other difficulties with sex
  • Feeling sick 

 

This medication class is not FDA approved for anxiety and can only be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder off-label, which is a common and legal practice in medicine.

 

• Anxiolytics — Buspirone is the most common example of this class of medication. The class was originally developed as an antipsychotic but was found to be effective for anxiety as well. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. These are hormones that play an important role in mood regulation. It usually takes about two to four weeks for buspirone to begin to take effect. Side effects may include: 

 

• • Lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Weakness and confusion 

 

Buspirone is FDA approved to treat anxiety.

 

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — MAOIs are one of the oldest classes of antidepressants and can be effective for anxiety. This medication class works by reducing the amount of monoamine oxidase, the substance that breaks down the neurotransmitters in the brain. But because of the potential for adverse side effects, doctors rarely prescribe MAOIs unless other treatments have proven ineffective. Side effects may include: 

 

• • Dry mouth
  • Nausea, diarrhea or constipation
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Skin reaction at the patch site (for skin patches)

 

MAOIs aren’t FDA approved for anxiety and can only be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder off-label.

 

All of these medications must be prescribed by a licensed physician. Your doctor will work with you to determine what may be the best medication for your generalized anxiety disorder. 

 

While medication for your generalized anxiety disorder can be a huge help in reducing symptoms of anxiety, it’s often just one part of a long-term treatment plan. 

 

You don’t have to let anxiety rule your life. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.