Medicines for anxiety
Key facts
- Medicines commonly used to treat anxiety include antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
- Side effects of the most common type of antidepressants include nausea, headaches, weight gain and problems with sexual activity.
- Benzodiazepine medicines are used to relieve anxiety only for a short time, as they can be addictive and have many side effects.
- Take your medicines for anxiety as directed — talk to your doctor before stopping or changing your dose.
When might I need medicines for anxiety?
Everyone gets worried from time to time. But for some people, anxious feelings don't go away and are out of proportion to the situation they are in.
If you are finding it difficult to cope with your everyday life due to worry and anxiety, see your doctor. Your doctor may diagnose you with anxiety.
There are different treatments available for anxiety conditions. Not everyone who has anxiety needs medicines. The first step is usually understanding what anxiety is and how it affects you.
Before prescribing medicines for anxiety, your doctor may suggest:
- lifestyle changes such as regular physical exercise
- reducing your stress levels
- psychological therapy
If you don't feel better after making lifestyle changes or trying psychotherapy, your doctor might also prescribe medicines.
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How do medicines for anxiety work?
Most medicines that are used to treat anxiety work on the balance of chemicals in your brain. An imbalance of these chemicals is thought to cause anxiety.
What types of medicines might I be given to treat anxiety?
If you have been diagnosed with anxiety, the main groups of medicines that might be used to manage your symptoms are:
- antidepressants
- benzodiazepines
Other medicines that can be used include:
- buspirone
- pregabalin
- quetiapine
Antidepressants
There are several kinds of antidepressants. The most common type used to treat generalised anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as:
- citalopram
- escitalopram
- fluoxetine
- fluvoxamine
- paroxetine
- sertraline
Other antidepressants are the serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as:
- venlafaxine
- duloxetine
These medicines increase the level of certain chemicals in your brain that can affect your mood. You may need to try more than one antidepressant medicine to find one that suits you. Different types of anxiety may need different medicines.
Most people who take antidepressants will be advised to take them for at least 6 to 12 months. You should not suddenly stop taking an antidepressant without speaking to your doctor first.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in your brain. When you take a benzodiazepine, it can reduce anxiety and may help you sleep. Examples are diazepam and lorazepam. Other benzodiazepines have a sedative action.
If you take a benzodiazepine for anxiety, it should be for only a short time (2 to 4 weeks). Taking this medicine should be part of a treatment plan and not the only thing you are doing for your anxiety.
If you use a benzodiazepine, you might find you become dependent on it, as they are addictive.
Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed to help with sleep problems. Ask your doctor about the best time to take these medicines to avoid side effects.
Other medicines
Ask your doctor about other medicines that might help with anxiety.
If antidepressant medicines don't help, you may be referred to a specialist psychiatrist (expert in mental health conditions).
What are the side effects or risks of medicines for anxiety?
If your doctor recommends medicines to treat anxiety, ask about the benefits and risks involved. Any medicine can sometimes have side effects.
Antidepressants
You might find that it takes several weeks for the medicine to take effect and help with your anxiety symptoms.
Antidepressants can cause side effects in some people. These may include:
The side effects will depend on the type of antidepressant you have been prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medicine you are taking.
Some side effects may improve over time. If you have side effects from any medicine, it's a good idea to discuss them with your doctor. You can ask your doctor these questions:
- What can I do to improve the side effects?
- Can I try a different dose?
- Are there any other medicines to try instead?
- Could the medicine I'm taking be reacting with my other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines including:
- sleeping pills
- pain-relief medicines
- non-prescription or over-the-counter medicines
- herbal or other complementary medicines
Take your medicine as prescribed. Do not adjust doses on your own without speaking to your doctor.
It's usually best to not drink alcohol while taking medicines for anxiety. These medicines can increase the effects of alcohol. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you plan to drink alcohol.
Benzodiazepines
The possible side effects of benzodiazepines include:
- excessive drowsiness
- feeling light-headed
- increased saliva
- slurred speech
- changes to your vision
Benzodiazepines can have serious side effects, including addiction, if used for longer than a few weeks. Take them only as prescribed by your doctor.
Don't mix benzodiazepines with drugs or alcohol. The sedating effects can add up, making you very drowsy.
Benzodiazepines can affect your alertness and coordination, so don't drive or use heavy machinery if you are affected.
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Are there any alternatives to taking medicines for anxiety?
Lifestyle measures, such as regular physical activity and getting enough sleep, can help with anxiety.
Your doctor might refer you to a psychologist for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychological therapy that can help you change your thoughts and behaviours.
Complementary medicine interventions are also sometimes recommended for anxiety. Ask your doctor if these could help you.
There is evidence that some of these approaches may reduce symptoms of anxiety:
- yoga
- relaxation training
- acupuncture
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Resources and support
If you have questions or concerns about your medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare worker.
Beyond Blue offers support and information about anxiety and medicines used to treat anxiety.
Australians have shared their personal stories of living with mental health conditions, including anxiety, on the Black Dog Institute website.
You can find out more about your medicine by reading the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to speak with a pharmacist who can answer your questions about medicines.
To speak to a crisis counsellor, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: November 2024
