Medications Used for Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Medications for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and buspirone [2].

Antidepressants [2]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro) are commonly preferred as first-line treatments [2]. Other antidepressants with different mechanisms, such as mirtazapine (Remeron), venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta), are also effective options [2]. While older antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine, can be effective, they often come with more challenging side effects [2]. Since antidepressants generally require several weeks to take effect, your doctor may also prescribe a fast-acting benzodiazepine for immediate relief [2].

Benzodiazepines [2]

These medications influence a chemical messenger involved in the brain's fear response system [2]. Common benzodiazepines include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax), which can offer rapid relief from anxiety symptoms [2]. Due to their fast-acting nature, they may be prescribed in the initial weeks of treatment until an antidepressant becomes effective [2]. Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for a short duration due to concerns about dependency, as the body can build tolerance to their effects over time, reducing their effectiveness [2]. If discontinuation is needed, it should be done gradually under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms [2].

Buspirone [2]

Buspirone is an antianxiety medication that may be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, though it is prescribed less often than the medications mentioned above [2]. Similar to antidepressants, it generally takes two to three weeks to start showing effects [2].

References

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). (2024, April 16). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-anxiety-disorder#:~:text=What%20is%20generalized%20anxiety%20disorder,for%20at%20least%206%20months.

2. LeWine, H. E., MD. (2022, March 10). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/generalized-anxiety-disorder-a-to-z