Quick answer: Anxiety medications span eight major classes with different brand names for each generic drug. SSRIs (sertraline/Zoloft, escitalopram/Lexapro, paroxetine/Paxil) and SNRIs (venlafaxine/Effexor XR, duloxetine/Cymbalta) are first-line. Benzodiazepines (alprazolam/Xanax, clonazepam/Klonopin, lorazepam/Ativan, diazepam/Valium) are short-term bridges only. Buspirone (Buspar), hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax), tricyclics (amitriptyline, imipramine), and beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol) are alternatives. Below is a comprehensive table organized by class with all FDA-approved and commonly used drug names.
If you're in crisis, call 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Featured snippet: anxiety medication names by class
Medication Class · Generic Name · Common Brand Names · FDA-Approved for Anxiety · Onset/Duration
SSRIs · Sertraline · Zoloft · Yes (GAD, panic, social anxiety) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Escitalopram · Lexapro · Yes (GAD) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Paroxetine · Paxil, Pexeva · Yes (GAD, panic, social anxiety, PTSD) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Fluoxetine · Prozac, Sarafem · Yes (panic disorder, OCD) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Citalopram · Celexa · Off-label · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Fluvoxamine · Luvox · Off-label · 2-4 weeks / long-term
SNRIs · Venlafaxine · Effexor XR, Effexor · Yes (GAD, panic disorder) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Duloxetine · Cymbalta · Yes (GAD) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Desvenlafaxine · Pristiq · Off-label · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Levomilnacipran · Fetzima · Off-label · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Benzodiazepines · Alprazolam · Xanax, Xanax XR · Yes (panic, GAD) · 15-30 min / 4-6 hours
Clonazepam · Klonopin, Klor-Con · Yes (panic) · 15-30 min / 8-12 hours
Lorazepam · Ativan · Yes (anxiety) · 15-30 min / 4-6 hours
Diazepam · Valium, Diastat · Yes (anxiety) · 15-30 min / 4-12 hours
Oxazepam · Serax · Yes (anxiety) · 15-30 min / 4-15 hours
Chlordiazepoxide · Librium · Yes (anxiety) · 15-30 min / 5-30 hours
Azapirones · Buspirone · Buspar · Yes (GAD) · 3-6 weeks / long-term
Antihistamines · Hydroxyzine · Vistaril, Atarax · Yes (anxiety, short-term) · 15-30 min / 4-6 hours
Beta-blockers · Propranolol · Inderal, Inderal LA · Off-label (situational, performance) · 30-60 min / 4-6 hours
Atenolol · Tenormin · Off-label · 30-60 min / 12-16 hours
Metoprolol · Lopressor, Toprol-XL · Off-label · 30-60 min / varies
Tricyclic Antidepressants · Imipramine · Tofranil · Off-label (panic) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Clomipramine · Anafranil · Off-label (OCD, panic) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Nortriptyline · Pamelor · Off-label · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Amitriptyline · Elavil · Off-label · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) · Phenelzine · Nardil · Off-label (panic, social anxiety) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Tranylcypromine · Parnate · Off-label (panic, social anxiety) · 2-4 weeks / long-term
Gabapentinoids · Gabapentin · Neurontin · Off-label (adjunct) · 3-7 days / varies
Pregabalin · Lyrica · Off-label (social anxiety) · 3-7 days / varies
Understanding medication classes
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications and the first-line recommendation by the American Psychiatric Association. They work by increasing serotonin availability in the brain, which regulates mood and fear response. Expect 2-4 weeks before noticing benefit; full effect by week 6-8. Early side effects (nausea, jitteriness, dry mouth) usually fade in 1-2 weeks. No dependence or tolerance. Safe for 6-12 months or longer.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
SNRIs boost both serotonin and norepinephrine, making them effective when SSRIs alone don't work. Similar onset (2-4 weeks) and safety profile to SSRIs. Some people experience more activation (energy or jitteriness) compared to SSRIs. Venlafaxine may raise blood pressure in some patients, so monitoring is recommended.
Benzodiazepines: Fast-acting but short-term only
Benzodiazepines deliver relief in 15-30 minutes by dampening central nervous system activity. However, they carry real risks of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal if used beyond 2-4 weeks. The American Psychiatric Association advises against benzodiazepines as monotherapy (sole treatment) for anxiety disorder. Always pair with an SSRI from day one; the benzo bridges fast relief while the SSRI takes effect, then taper and stop the benzo.
Dependence warning: After 2-4 weeks of daily use, your body develops tolerance (needing higher doses) and physical dependence (withdrawal can include seizures). Withdrawal can last weeks to months. Never use alone or long-term.
Buspirone (Azapirone)
Buspirone works differently than other anxiety medications and takes 3-6 weeks to show effect, similar to SSRIs. It is non-addictive, non-sedating, and has fewer side effects than benzodiazepines. However, it works only for mild-to-moderate anxiety and is often combined with SSRIs rather than used alone. Good for people who cannot tolerate SSRIs.
Hydroxyzine (Antihistamine)
Hydroxyzine is FDA-approved for short-term anxiety relief. It works in 15-30 minutes, is non-addictive (no dependence risk like benzos), and has no tolerance. Drowsiness is nearly universal (often helpful for anxiety-driven insomnia). Approved for short-term use only (typically 4 weeks). Common use: acute anxiety or bridge while SSRIs take effect.
Beta-blockers (Off-label)
Beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol) block adrenaline effects on the heart and blood vessels, slowing heart rate and reducing tremor, sweating, and shortness of breath. They work in 30-60 minutes and are used off-label to manage physical panic symptoms while other treatments address underlying anxiety. Best for people whose anxiety is dominated by physical symptoms. Not suitable for asthma or COPD patients. Never used for catastrophic thinking or anticipatory worry alone.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Older, second-line)
Tricyclics (imipramine, clomipramine, nortriptyline, amitriptyline) are effective for anxiety but carry side-effect burden: weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, cardiac effects in some. Work in 2-4 weeks, no dependence. Reserve for people who cannot tolerate SSRIs or SNRIs.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, rarely used)
MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine) are rarely used due to dietary restrictions (foods high in tyramine can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes) and interaction risks with other medications. Work in 2-4 weeks. Reserved for treatment-resistant anxiety when other options have failed. Require close medical monitoring.
Gabapentinoids (Off-label adjunct)
Gabapentin and pregabalin are used off-label as adjuncts to primary treatments, especially for anxiety with pain or neuropathy. Gabapentin onset 3-7 days; pregabalin FDA-approved for social anxiety disorder off-label. Neither is first-line.
FDA-approved vs. off-label: Understanding the labels
FDA approval means a medication has been studied in clinical trials for that specific indication. Off-label use is legal and common when doctors prescribe a medication for an unapproved indication based on evidence and clinical judgment.
FDA-approved for anxiety:
- Sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine (SSRIs)
- Venlafaxine, duloxetine (SNRIs)
- Alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, diazepam, oxazepam, chlordiazepoxide (benzodiazepines)
- Buspirone
- Hydroxyzine
Off-label but commonly used:
- Citalopram, fluvoxamine (SSRIs)
- Other SNRIs, tricyclics, beta-blockers, MAOIs, gabapentinoids
Brand names vs. generic names: What you need to know
A generic medication is the active ingredient with a simple, standardized name (sertraline). A brand name is a trademark created by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures it (Zoloft). Brand-name and generic versions contain the same active ingredient and work the same way, but brand names cost more. Most insurance plans cover generics first.
How doctors choose anxiety medications
Your doctor considers:
- Anxiety type and severity (GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, situational). SSRIs are first-line for most.
- How fast you need relief. Benzodiazepines or hydroxyzine for acute symptoms; SSRIs for ongoing prevention.
- Your medical history. Asthma rules out beta-blockers; cardiac issues affect benzos; dietary restrictions affect MAOIs.
- Other medications you take. Drug interactions matter.
- Substance use history. Benzos and alcohol are risky; buspirone and SSRIs are safer.
- Your tolerance for side effects. Drowsiness is a dealbreaker for some; sexual side effects for others.
SSRI discontinuation syndrome: Not the same as withdrawal
Stopping SSRIs or SNRIs abruptly can cause discontinuation symptoms: rebound anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, "brain zaps" (electrical sensations), flu-like symptoms. This is different from benzodiazepine withdrawal (which includes seizure risk). Taper SSRIs and SNRIs gradually (4-8 weeks) under doctor supervision. Never stop abruptly.
Benzodiazepine dependence: The critical warning (repeated)
Alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, diazepam, oxazepam, and chlordiazepoxide are effective for acute panic but carry real risks. After 2-4 weeks of daily use, physical dependence develops. Withdrawal symptoms include rebound anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. Withdrawal can last weeks to months. Misuse carries addiction risk.
Never use benzodiazepines alone or long-term. Always pair with an SSRI from day one. Plan your taper from the start: the benzo bridges the first 2-4 weeks while the SSRI takes effect, then you taper and stop the benzo while continuing the SSRI.
When to see a professional
Seek evaluation if you:
- Have had 2 or more panic attacks
- Worry significantly about having another attack
- Are avoiding places where anxiety might happen
- Anxiety interferes with work, school, relationships, or daily life
- Are using alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety
- Anxiety symptoms last more than 2 weeks and are worsening
Chest pain or cardiac symptoms? If you have new, severe, or radiating chest pain (to arm, jaw, or back), shortness of breath, or fainting, call 911 or go to the ER. Anxiety attacks mimic heart attacks; a clinician should rule out cardiac causes the first time.
Crisis support: Call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), call 111 option 2 (NHS, UK), or visit https://findahelpline.com for international resources.
FAQ
What are all the names of anxiety medications?
The complete list spans eight classes: SSRIs (6 drugs), SNRIs (4 drugs), benzodiazepines (6 drugs), buspirone, hydroxyzine, beta-blockers, tricyclics, and MAOIs. See the comprehensive table at the top for all 30+ generic names and brand name variants.
What is the difference between generic and brand name anxiety medications?
Generic and brand versions contain the same active ingredient and work identically. The difference is cost (brands are more expensive) and packaging. Most insurance covers generics first. Switching between generic and brand is safe and common.
What are the names of SSRIs for anxiety?
Sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), citalopram (Celexa), fluvoxamine (Luvox). The first four are FDA-approved for anxiety; the last two are off-label.
What are the names of benzodiazepines?
Alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium). All are effective but carry dependence risk if used beyond 2-4 weeks. Never use alone.
What is the safest long-term anxiety medication name?
SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine) and SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine) are safe for 6-12 months or longer with no dependence risk. Benzodiazepines, despite their popularity, are not safe long-term due to dependence. Buspirone is also safe but slower.
Are there anxiety medications without dependence risk?
Yes. SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, hydroxyzine, tricyclics, and beta-blockers do not cause dependence or tolerance. Benzodiazepines are the exception and carry high dependence risk if used daily beyond 2-4 weeks.
What is the fastest-acting anxiety medication name?
Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam) and hydroxyzine work in 15-30 minutes. SSRIs, SNRIs, buspiron take 2-6 weeks. Do not give up on an SSRI before week 8.