This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Medication can meaningfully reduce anxiety symptoms, and for many people it works best alongside therapy. There’s no one-size-fits-all prescription — a prescriber tailors the choice to your symptoms, history, and preferences. You don’t need to have it figured out before you start; the first step is simply a conversation about your options.
Your treatment options
Medication is one building block of anxiety treatment. Common, evidence-based options include:
- SSRIs and SNRIs — usually first. These antidepressants are typical first-line, longer-term treatments for anxiety. They often take several weeks to reach full effect.
- Buspirone. An option specifically for generalized anxiety, taken regularly rather than as needed.
- Benzodiazepines. Fast-acting and sometimes used short-term, but generally not for long-term use because of dependence risk.
- Other options. A prescriber may consider additional medications depending on your symptoms and any co-occurring conditions.
Medication is most effective as part of a plan — see the full picture in anxiety treatment, and consider pairing it with therapy for anxiety or CBT. Never start or stop a medication without medical guidance.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here’s exactly what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you’re going through and the kind of help you want.
- It’s a no-pressure conversation. There’s no obligation, and you can stop any time. A specialist cannot prescribe — they help you find care, including a prescriber if that’s right for you.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help, and we don’t take a fee based on which provider you choose. If you’d rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure how much your anxiety is affecting you? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic anxiety self-check. Nothing is saved, and it can help you decide whether to reach out.
Find anxiety help in your state
Access to prescribers, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for the mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options where you live — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Medication costs depend on the specific drug, whether a generic is available, your insurance, and your state — so there’s no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health medications; formularies and copays vary by plan.
- Generics are widely available for many anxiety medications and are usually far less expensive.
- Free and low-cost options exist — community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and prescription assistance programs. A specialist can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. Two things I find worth saying plainly: these medications usually take a few weeks to show their benefit, so the early days aren’t a fair test — and you should never stop suddenly on your own. Most concerns people have are very manageable when you stay in conversation with your prescriber.
If you’re ready, talk to someone about your options now — it’s free to call and there’s no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What medications treat anxiety?
SSRIs and SNRIs are common first-line medications for anxiety. Other options include buspirone for generalized anxiety, and benzodiazepines, which are fast-acting but usually short-term because of dependence risk. A prescriber helps weigh the trade-offs for you.
How long do anxiety medications take to work?
Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs often take several weeks to reach full effect, and the dose may be adjusted along the way. It helps to stay in touch with your prescriber while you wait to see the benefit.
Are anxiety medications addictive?
SSRIs and SNRIs are not considered addictive, though they should be tapered under medical guidance rather than stopped abruptly. Benzodiazepines can lead to dependence, which is why they are generally prescribed short-term.
Sources
- Mental Health Medications — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Anxiety medicines — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Mental Health Medications — National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Anxiety — American Psychological Association (APA)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.