Anxiety medications work by altering brain chemistry to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive fear, worry, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or muscle tension. How Anxiety Medications Work:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): These increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reabsorption into nerve cells. Higher serotonin levels help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. SSRIs are typically prescribed for long-term management of anxiety and are not addictive

• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels, enhancing communication between neurons and improving mood and anxiety symptoms. They are also used for long-term treatment

• Benzodiazepines: These medications activate GABA receptors, which slow down the nervous system, producing calming effects that relieve acute anxiety symptoms and panic attacks. They work quickly but are generally recommended only for short-term use due to risks of dependence and addiction

• Beta-blockers: Though primarily used for heart conditions, beta-blockers reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety (such as rapid heartbeat and trembling) by blocking norepinephrine's effects. They do not affect emotional anxiety symptoms and are often used for specific situations like performance anxiety

• Other medications like Hydroxyzine: An antihistamine that can also relieve anxiety symptoms by altering histamine and serotonin levels, typically used short-term

In summary, anxiety medications help by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain to suppress fear signals and the fight-or-flight response, thereby reducing both the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety. Different classes of medications target different aspects of anxiety and are chosen based on the individual's symptoms and treatment needs