- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are first-choice options for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). best anxiety disorder medications
- If an SSRI or SNRI doesn’t work, there are other options. These include buspirone and hydroxyzine. Sometimes, these medications may be added to an SSRI or SNRI.
- Don’t rely on benzodiazepines alone to treat GAD. They should only be used as short-term add-on therapy to another medication like an SSRI or SNRI. best anxiety disorder medications
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Worrying about certain aspects of your life from time to time is completely normal. But if you ever feel your anxiety is out of proportion, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if you have a specific anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Treatment for GAD usually consists of therapy and medications. But there are many types of medications for GAD. Picking the anti-anxiety medication that’s best for you will depend on your symptoms, your medical history, and your personal preference. best anxiety disorder medications
How is GAD treated? | Best Medication For Anxiety
GAD treatment can involve therapy, GAD medications, or a combination of the two. Therapy techniques for anxiety include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a type of mindfulness.
If you and your healthcare provider decide medications may be helpful, there are many to choose from. It’s worth knowing that first-choice medications work by treating anxiety symptoms in the long-term. This means that they may take a few weeks to kick in, and they may be used for many months to years. best anxiety disorder medications
For people who need treatment to work faster, there are short-acting medications that can help. But these aren’t considered first-choice medications. These work fast, but wear off quickly. They can help while you get established on your long-term treatment or when your anxiety symptoms are overwhelming. But they shouldn’t be taken long-term.
Medications for GAD
Imagine that all anxiety medication options are standing in a line. Naturally, you’d want the front of the line to be reserved for medications that have research to support their use, and have the fewest side effects. These are “first-choice options.” Second-choice options can be tried if first-choice options aren’t effective.
| Place in therapy | Drug class | FDA-approved for anxiety symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| First-choice medications | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) | ✔ |
| Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) | ✔ | |
| Add-on medications | Buspirone | ✔ |
| Pregabalin | ||
| Atypical antipsychotics | ||
| Second-choice medications | Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) | |
| Atypical antidepressants | ||
| Short-term medications | Benzodiazepines | ✔ |
| Hydroxyzine | ✔ |
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations.
It can make everyday activities such as meeting new people, speaking in front of others, eating around other people, or participating in social events difficult. NIMH distinguishes social anxiety disorder from ordinary shyness because the fear can significantly interfere with daily functioning. best anxiety disorder medications
What Causes Anxiety Disorders?
There is no single cause of anxiety disorders. Research suggests that biological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors can all contribute.
For example, generalized anxiety disorder may be associated with family history, brain biology, stressful environments, or traumatic experiences.
Certain stressful circumstances can also make existing anxiety symptoms worse. Symptoms may fluctuate over time rather than remaining exactly the same every day. best anxiety disorder medications