For anxiety with low energy, medications that boost norepinephrine like SNRIs (Venlafaxine, Duloxetine) or certain SSRIs (Fluoxetine/Prozac) can be more "energizing," while some newer options like Buspirone help anxiety without sedation; however, the "best" choice depends on individual response, so a doctor's consultation is crucial to find what works safely and effectively for you, potentially also considering stimulants or supplements if appropriate.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Norepinephrine helps boost your energy levels and focus. So SNRIs can help stabilize your mood and make you feel more energized. The most common SNRIs prescribed to treat anxiety are venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Propranolol, a common beta-blocker for high blood pressure, is used off-label to ease situational anxiety.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is often considered one of the most effective antidepressants for increasing energy and motivation.
Vitamin D3:
Vitamin D3 can improve mood and energy, and it has been a must for many of my patients throughout the pandemic, says Dr. Madrak. While lack of sunlight isn't a sole contributor to anxiety, vitamin D deficiency can hinder mental well-being.
Relaxation Techniques That Combat Fatigue from Anxiety:
Prozac's stimulating effects can lead to increased energy and alertness. It makes it beneficial for patients experiencing low energy or fatigue due to depression. Whereas Lexapro has a more neutral or calming effect. It can improve energy levels and mood, but it's less likely to cause stimulation.
“Happy pills” — in particular the anxiolytic drugs Miltown and Valium and the antidepressant Prozac — have been spectacularly successful “products” over the last 5 decades, largely because they have widespread off label use.
Serotonergic and noradrenergic agents. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) like atomoxetine have been used and recommended in the treatment of disorders of diminished motivation.
Quick comparison: Mirtazapine often yields faster relief of anxiety/sleep symptoms – you might sleep better within days and see anxiety improvements within 2 weeks, whereas sertraline might require 4–6 weeks for full effect.
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Also used are bromazepam (Lectopam), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and diazepam (Valium).
For those who only need relief during specific events, propranolol can be a game-changer, as this is a good alternative to riskier medications like Xanax, Klonopin and Valium which are often used for in the moment anxiety control.
Traditional treatments like therapy and antidepressants have been the go-to options for decades, but they don't work for everyone. Enter ketamine therapy, particularly the FDA-approved nasal spray Spravato (esketamine), which is changing the landscape of anxiety treatment in 2025.
If an SSRI is considered indispensable in patients with marked fatigue (e.g., because of significant anxiety), some suggest that the best choice is sertraline, because of its mild dopaminergic action.
Anxiety is commonly associated with many different mental and emotional symptoms. Experiencing anxiety can take a toll on your body, draining your energy reserves and causing you to feel physically and mentally tired.
By boosting norepinephrine levels, Venlafaxine can enhance energy, increase focus, and reduce symptoms of fatigue and lethargy that often accompany depression. Additionally, Venlafaxine has a dose-dependent mechanism of action. At lower doses, it predominantly affects serotonin reuptake.
Amphetamines increase energy and produce a sense of pleasure and peace. The drug can fight fatigue and allow people to work around the clock. It induces exhilarating feelings of power, strength, energy, self-assertion, focus, and enhanced motivation.
Reduce stress to boost energy
SNRIs can sometimes be more “activating” than SSRIs which can help target decreased energy and motivation. They still have the downsides that come with many other medications, though. SNRIs such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) can cause side effects like headaches and insomnia.
There are different types or classes of antidepressant drugs, including: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These raise serotonin levels in your brain to improve mood.
"Happy pills" typically refer to antidepressants, a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The best mood stabilizers for anxiety often include lamotrigine and valproate, which help calm excessive worry and mood swings. These medications can regulate mood without causing sedation or dependency. A psychiatrist can help decide which treatment best fits your specific anxiety and mood symptoms.
Escitalopram is thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in your brain.
For example, Prozac is more likely to cause nausea, trouble sleeping, and a low appetite. Lexapro is less likely to cause side effects, but it's more likely to lead to ejaculation problems. Below are some common side effects of Prozac and Lexapro when used to treat depression along with their frequency of occurrence.
Is Lexapro energizing or sedating? Lexapro's effects vary from person to person, with some experiencing mild activation (wakefulness) while others report sedation. Most people find the medication relatively neutral regarding energy levels once adaptation occurs after the first few weeks of treatment.