Medications for anxiety are used to treat panic attacks, general anxiety disorder, and other related health conditions. They work in various ways to help calm your mind and improve your mood. Common classes include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines. SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) are usually taken as oral pills. SNRIs, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine ER (Effexor XR), also come in oral capsules or tablets. Benzodiazepines are often taken as needed. They include alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), and are available in oral, injectable,and suppository forms. Other common anxiety medications options include buspirone and hydroxyzine, which are typically taken as oral pills. These medications offer different ways to manage your anxiety.
