Anxiety Pills

 Benzodiazepines

Anxiety Pills (Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications) that enhance the calming effects of GABA. Usually prescribed short-term due to dependence risk.

Examples:

• Xanax (Alprazolam) – fast-acting, short duration
• Valium / Bensedin (Diazepam) – longer-acting, used for anxiety and muscle relaxation
• Klonopin (Clonazepam) – long-acting, effective for panic disorder
• Nitrazepam – primarily for insomnia but sometimes used for anxiety

Benefits: Rapid relief of acute anxiety
Risks: Sedation, dependence, withdrawal symptoms

🔹 2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Long-term treatment for anxiety and depression. Not sedating, but effects take weeks to develop.

Examples:

• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Benefits: Non-addictive, effective for chronic anxiety
Risks: Nausea, sexual side effects, mild sleep disturbances

🔹 3. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Similar to SSRIs but also increase norepinephrine, which can improve energy and focus.

Examples:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Benefits: Effective for generalized anxiety and chronic pain
Risks: Nausea, increased blood pressure, dizziness

🔹 4. Non-Benzodiazepine Anxiolytics

• Buspirone (Buspar / Busron / Erimin) – works on serotonin, less sedating, low risk of dependence, takes 2–4 weeks to act.

Benefits: Non-sedating, suitable for long-term use
Risks: Mild dizziness, nausea, headache

🔹 5. Beta-Blockers (for situational anxiety)

• Propranolol – reduces physical symptoms of anxiety like rapid heartbeat, shaking, and sweating.

Benefits: Useful for performance anxiety or social anxiety
Risks: Low blood pressure, fatigue, not suitable for asthma

🔹 6. Other Options

• Antihistamines like hydroxyzine – mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects
• Certain anticonvulsants or atypical antipsychotics – sometimes used off-label for anxiety

👉 Key Takeaways

• Fast relief: Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
• Long-term management: SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone
• Situational anxiety: Beta-blockers
• Medication choice depends on severity, duration, and type of anxiety.
• Always use under medical supervision, especially for benzodiazepines due to dependence risk.

I can also create a table comparing all major anxiety pills, showing onset, duration, dependence risk, and typical uses, if you want a quick visual reference. Do you want me to do that?