In Australia, the best antidepressants for anxiety are typically SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Cipralex) as first-line treatments, due to their effectiveness and good tolerability, but SNRIs (Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors) and others like Mirtazapine are also used, with the choice depending on individual symptoms, side effects, and professional guidance.
Medications for anxiety
¶ All SSRIs and SNRIs can cause nausea and upset stomach at first or when increasing the dose. This usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks.
Antidepressants are the first-line medications in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiolytics may be used for a brief duration, but only if needed while an antidepressant is being initiated and titrated up. Atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and anticonvulsants are used mainly to augment antidepressants.
In general, these antidepressants are options during pregnancy: Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac).
As of this writing, some of the anxiety medications with the fewest reported side effects and least risk of side effects include:
Here are some common symptoms of anxiety:
Propranolol is a beta blocker first approved by the FDA in 1967 to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. Today, many clinicians also prescribe it off-label for short-term, situational anxiety because it calms the body's stress response.
Citalopram is usually favoured if your main struggle is agitation or anxiety. It has a gentler, more calming effect. Sertraline is often chosen if low energy or lack of motivation are part of the picture, because its mild dopamine activity can give you more drive.
The most common type used to treat generalised anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as:
What are some Long-Term Effects of Other Antianxiety Drugs?
When you're stressed, the nervous system sends signals to your gut and intestines, triggering the muscles involved in digestion to go into a “fight or flight” response. They can react by quickly pushing waste through your system, causing nausea, cramping, bloating or diarrhea.
People without depression who take antidepressants commonly report feeling emotionally “flat” or “numb.” This happens because the medications alter normal neurotransmitter function: Reduced ability to feel both positive and negative emotions. Decreased emotional reactivity to normally joyful events.
The main treatments a GP may offer include:
How to Know If You Need Anxiety Medication
Research suggests that GAD results from a mix of genetics, brain chemistry, biology, and environment. Researchers have found that external causes, such as experiencing a traumatic event or being in a stressful environment, may put a person at higher risk for developing GAD.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety and major depressive disorder. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft.
Common reasons for switching from Lexapro to Zoloft include inadequate symptom relief, troublesome side effects (especially sexual dysfunction or weight changes), insurance coverage changes, or the need to target symptoms for which Zoloft has specific FDA approval, such as OCD or PTSD.
It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. Some people may have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. If you or your caregiver notice any of these unwanted effects, tell your doctor right away.
To reduce anxiety immediately, use deep breathing (like the 4-7-8 method), ground yourself by focusing on your senses or 5-4-3-2-1 technique, try progressive muscle relaxation (tense and release muscles), engage in quick physical activity, or distract yourself with a short, enjoyable task or by shifting focus to another language. These techniques calm the nervous system and shift your focus from anxious thoughts to the present moment.
You'll usually carry on taking antidepressants for at least 6 months after your symptoms improve. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking an antidepressant.
Panic Level Anxiety
Panic-level anxiety, also known as panic disorder, is the most intense form of anxiety. It involves sudden and repeated episodes of extreme fear, known as panic attacks. Symptoms of panic attacks include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling and feelings of impending doom.
It may also be dangerous to consume alcohol with certain medications used for depression and anxiety. For example, taking certain anti-anxiety medications (such as benzodiazepines) or pain medications (like opioids/opiates) with alcohol, can slow down breathing significantly.
A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are. Other mental health disorders.