The most popular and commonly prescribed type of anxiety medication in Australia is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These are the first-line treatment for most anxiety disorders due to their effectiveness and good tolerability profile.
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).
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.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
This class includes sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine. SSRIs are: the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in Australia.
Psychotherapy. Also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling, psychotherapy involves working with a therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders.
As of this writing, some of the anxiety medications with the fewest reported side effects and least risk of side effects include:
Beta blockers are quickly becoming the hot new drug to combat anxiety. The medication, also known as propranolol, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1967 for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and is commonly used to treat high blood pressure.
The most common type used to treat generalised anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as:
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.
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Today, celebrities including Robert Downey Jr. and Katy Perry have admitted to using beta-blockers to calm nerves before public appearances. Yet, according to the UK-based Pharmaceutical Journal, some experts warn that evidence supporting propranolol's use for anxiety is limited.
Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications
When you are anxious, your brain makes chemical messengers called adrenaline and noradrenaline. These make your heart rate faster and make you sweat or shake. Propranolol helps block the effects of these chemical messengers. This reduces the physical signs of anxiety.
Here are some common symptoms of anxiety:
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
All benzodiazepines work the same way; however, the intensity and duration of their effects vary. Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Yes, OB/GYNs can prescribe antidepressants. While psychiatrists are often the first healthcare providers associated with prescribing these medications, OB/GYNs are also trained to recognize symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly when they overlap with reproductive health concerns.
In time, the brain returns to a normal state after stopping antidepressants. If depressive symptoms do arise and gradually worsen, it's best to consult a psychiatrist or doctor if they don't improve within a few weeks or if they become severe.
6 Signs You Might Need Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also called SSRIs, are the type of antidepressant prescribed most often. They can ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression. They are relatively safe, and they typically cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants do.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, so different medications may be better choices for your type. Your doctor will also consider your other health conditions and medications, and whether you have a family history of responding better to a certain medication.
The Top 10 Medications for Anxiety
Around one in seven Australians take antidepressants; more than 3.5 million of us had them dispensed in 2021–22.
Prozac. Prozac (fluoxetine) is another widely prescribed SSRI that is effective in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and certain types of OCD. Like Zoloft, it works by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
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.
Kristen Bell. This movie and television star has taken medication for depression and anxiety since she was a child. She spoke out about it in an interview.