Types of Anxiety Medication: Beginners Guide

The world of medication when it comes to anxiety and depression is intense, overwhelming and changing every day. It can also be super confusing for people with anxiety, so I decided to create this post on the different types of anxiety medication.

I’ve left many doctors’ offices with a prescription featuring the name of a medication that’s going to help me feel better. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But to understand the types of meds that work for me, I’ve tried to learn more about them.

To help you do the same, here’s a beginner’s guide to the different anxiety medication types.

Different Types of Anxiety Medication

To help you navigate the world of anxiety meds, here’s a brief and simplified overview of the different types and which types of anxiety disorders they’re used to treat. If you want more info on anxiety meds and my experience, check out my article on navigating anxiety meds.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

SSRIs boost serotonin, a “feel-good” brain chemical, to help improve mood and reduce anxiety. They’re widely used for anxiety and depression and tend to have fewer side effects. Examples: Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac. I’ve been on a few of these, I was on Prozac for years and I’m currently on a low dose of Lexapro.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)

SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, helping with mood, anxiety, and energy levels. They’re great for people dealing with both anxiety and fatigue. Examples: Effexor, Cymbalta. I’ve been on Cymbalta and had a terrible experience so I generally prefer to stay away from SNRIs since they don’t work for me.

Benzodiazepines

Benzos are fast-acting meds that calm you down by relaxing your brain and body. They’re typically used for short-term relief of intense anxiety or panic attacks (they’re even used for sleep). They can be addictive, so they’re used carefully. Examples: Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin. I am super cautious with using Benzos but they work really well when used responsibly.

Atypical Anxiolytics

These are non-addictive anxiety meds that work more gradually. They’re good for long-term use without the sedation or dependency risk of benzos. Example: Buspar.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are typically heart meds but can help with physical anxiety symptoms like a racing heart or shaking during stressful situations (like public speaking). Examples: Inderal, Tenormin. I’ve used them a few times for exams or when going on first dates but I haven’t taken one in years.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs are older antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine. They’re less commonly used now due to more side effects but can be effective for anxiety and panic disorders. Examples: Elavil, Anafranil.

MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

MAOIs are powerful antidepressants that boost multiple brain chemicals. They’re used less often because they require dietary restrictions and can interact with other meds. Examples: Nardil, Parnate.

Antihistamines

These are usually allergy meds but can also be used for short-term anxiety relief. They work by calming the nervous system and are non-addictive. Examples: Vistaril, Atarax.

Anticonvulsants

Originally for seizures, these are sometimes used off-label for anxiety because they help stabilize mood and reduce overactive brain signals. Example: Neurontin and Lamotrigine. I’ve had great results on Lamotrigine and it’s one of my favorite anti anxiety meds that I’ve ever been on.

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

Increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain to help improve energy, focus, and mood. They’re often used for depression and sometimes off-label for anxiety.

A common example is Wellbutrin (bupropion). NDRIs tend to have fewer sexual side effects than SSRIs or SNRIs. I’ve been taking Wellbutrin for a while and am doing well on it. It’s definitely the med I’ve had the least side effects from.

NOTE: I’ve included my personal experience with these meds BUT I am not a medical professional and my experience will likely be WIDELY different from yours. Please find yourself a psychiatrist who can guide you through this process.

Overview Table of Anxiety Meds

Type of Medication	Generic Name	Brand Names	Used For
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)	Escitalopram	Lexapro, Cipralex	GAD, Panic Disorder
	Sertraline	Zoloft, Lustral	GAD, Panic Disorder, SAD
	Paroxetine	Paxil, Seroxat	GAD, SAD, Panic Disorder
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)	Venlafaxine	Effexor XR, Viepax	GAD, Panic Disorder, SAD
	Duloxetine	Cymbalta, Yentreve	GAD
Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)	Bupropion	Wellbutrin, Zyban	Depression, smoking cessation, off-label for anxiety
Benzodiazepines	Alprazolam	Xanax, Niravam, Kalma	Acute anxiety, Panic Disorder
	Lorazepam	Ativan, Temesta	Acute anxiety, GAD
	Clonazepam	Klonopin, Rivotril	Panic Disorder, short-term anxiety relief
Beta-Blockers	Propranolol	Inderal, Hemangeol, Bedranol	Performance anxiety (situational)
	Atenolol	Tenormin, Normiten	Performance anxiety
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)	Amitriptyline	Elavil, Endep, Tryptanol	GAD, Panic Disorder
	Clomipramine	Anafranil, Clomicalm	OCD
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)	Phenelzine	Nardil	SAD, Panic Disorder
	Tranylcypromine	Parnate	SAD, Panic Disorder
Atypical Anxiolytics	Buspirone	Buspar	GAD
Antihistamines	Hydroxyzine	Vistaril, Atarax	Short-term anxiety relief
Anticonvulsants	Gabapentin	Neurontin, Gralise	Off-label for anxiety
	Lamotrigine	Lamictal	Bipolar Disorder, off-label for anxiety

Finding Meds That Work For You

My own journey with anxiety meds has been a struggle. It’s been a lot of side effects, withdrawal, good days and bad days. Overall, taking medication has changed my life for the better. It’s the reason I’m typing this in London after having flown her alone to see my favorite band.

Medication gets a bad rap, but it does work for some people.

Once again, please remember I am not a professional, I am just sharing my own experience, if you are struggling please reach out to someone in your life whether a friend, family member or a professional. There are people who can help and you WILL find something that works for you.