Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode.
One of the biggest advantages of using an OTC medication such as Benadryl to treat anxiety is that it is fast-acting and convenient. These qualities can be helpful if you need to reduce symptoms of mild anxiety quickly. Because Benadryl causes many people to feel drowsy, it can also help with sleep.
Benzodiazepines have a high effective rate for GAD compared to other medication options. 16 They're also fast-acting, providing more immediate anxiety relief. Medications in this class include Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Generally safe with a low risk of serious side effects, SSRI antidepressants are typically recommended as the first choice of medications to treat panic attacks.
Antipsychotics are commonly prescribed to help with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or racing thoughts, but can also be prescribed for individuals without those symptoms. Some antipsychotics are considered mood stabilizers because they, too, even out the highs and lows.
SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, beta-blockers, pregabalin, gabapentin, hydroxyzine, PanX and diphenhydramine are all options for anxiety that are alternatives to addictive benzodiazepines. Non-pharmacological, non-narcotic treatments for anxiety are always best to use, when possible.
There may be several reasons why an anxiety medication is not working. A patient may have co-morbid conditions or they may not be taking the medication as prescribed. Or, anxiety symptoms may be due to an underlying and untreated biological cause, such as a bacterial or viral infection.
Unfortunately, the only medications for anxiety are prescription and can not be bought over the counter. There is no such thing as over-the-counter anxiety medication. Anxiety medication alters the brain which is why it is a controlled substance and something you have to obtain from a doctor.
What are the strongest over-the-counter anti-anxiety medications? Some dietary supplements (such as ashwagandha, CBD, valerian root, kava, and magnesium) may be helpful in easing anxiety but have not been proven to be safe or effective.
Sometimes an individual may overcome it on their own, but medical intervention is sometimes required. Doctors will commonly use benzodiazepines, a class of sedative drugs that are very effective in decreasing symptoms of a panic attack,” according to an article in Healthline.
If you have panic disorder, medication can be a useful part of your recovery plan. Valium (diazepam) is one type of anti-anxiety medication that's used to treat panic disorder and other conditions.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are first-choice options for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). If an SSRI or SNRI doesn't work, there are other options. These include buspirone and hydroxyzine.
Anxiety disorders are a type of mental health condition. Anxiety makes it difficult to get through your day. Symptoms include feelings of nervousness, panic and fear as well as sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Treatments include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
Relaxation: Practicing yoga, or trying meditation, breathing, massage, and relaxation techniques can help a person cope with anxiety. Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet with regular meals and healthy snacks will keep the body healthy. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also reduce anxiety.
The two classes of antidepressants most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Common side effects of both SSRIs and SNRIs may include: Nausea.
SSRIs. This group of drugs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Cipralex) and sertraline (Zoloft), is usually the first choice for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Anxiety that interferes with day-to-day functioning or affects work, school, or social life, may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder. This interruption in daily routine is often the point at which treatment interventions are needed.
Panic disorder: This anxiety disorder is marked by intense and recurrent panic attacks that occur unexpectedly. During a panic attack, people who have this condition experience extreme anxiety that causes feelings of terror and physical symptoms of fear.