There are several types of medications commonly used to reduce anxiety, often chosen based on the specific anxiety disorder, symptom profile, and individual factors. Here is a concise overview of the main categories and what they do:

• Antidepressants (first-line for many anxiety disorders)
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Examples include sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram. They help regulate mood and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels in brain circuits. They typically take several weeks to show benefit and are usually used long-term.

* Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Examples include venlafaxine and duloxetine. They affect both serotonin and norepinephrine and can be effective for generalized anxiety and social anxiety, among others. They also require several weeks to reach full effect and are used long-term.

• Benzodiazepines (short-term relief and panic-related symptoms)
  • Examples include diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam, and alprazolam. They act quickly to reduce acute anxiety but carry risks of dependence and withdrawal with longer use; typically prescribed for short durations or as needed.

• Other anti-anxiety options
  • Buspirone: A non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that can help with generalized anxiety; it may take several weeks to become effective and is not sedating like benzodiazepines.

* Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): Used mainly for performance-type or situational anxiety to reduce physical symptoms such as tremors and palpitations. Not a primary treatment for generalized anxiety.

* Antipsychotics or mood stabilizers: Sometimes used off-label for specific conditions (e.g., certain anxiety with coexisting mood or psychotic symptoms) under close supervision.

• Other considerations
  • The choice of medication depends on the specific anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, etc.), comorbid conditions, prior responses to medications, potential side effects, and safety concerns (like pregnancy or interactions with other drugs). Regular follow-up is important to assess effectiveness and tolerability.

Important notes

• Many anxiety medications can take several weeks to show full benefit, and some require gradual titration to minimize side effects.

• Benzodiazepines have a risk of dependence and are generally recommended for short-term use or as a bridge until longer-acting medications become effective.

If you’d like, specify the type of anxiety concern (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic, OCD) and any other health considerations, and a more tailored overview with typical options, timelines, and common side effects can be provided.