


Benzodiazepines are sedatives that can help relax your muscles and calm your mind. Please send any and all suggestions, comments, or questions to us at. It does not represent its results as an exhaustive list of all services available to a given individual for a given behavioral health problem, or as an endorsement of specific treatments or services, or as a replacement for treatment or services as performed by a qualified provider. It may suggest tools and resources that offer information, treatment services, do-it-yourself tools, and/or ways to connect with others. S2S (Screening 2 Supports) by Mental Health America is an educational program intended to help inform people about options they have in getting help for mental health issues. MHA permits electronic copying and sharing of all portions of its public website and requests in return only the customary copyright acknowledgement, using “© Copyright Mental Health America” and the date of the download.

© Copyright 2020 | Mental Health America | Formerly known as the National Mental Health Association. Whatever medication you are prescribed, medications can take time to work, so it’s important to talk through any changes or questions with your doctor. These medications are taken as-needed for short-term anxiety. This often tricks the brain into feeling less anxious as well. (Antihistamines are also sometimes taken daily for long-term anxiety.)īeta-blockers, which treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, have been used to help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety (like sweating and heart racing).

Hydroxyzine (brand name: Vistaril) is the main antihistamine used for anxiety. They are typically used in the treatment of allergies. Some antihistamines can be taken for anxiety and panic in the short term, as needed, and work rapidly. Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and should not be taken daily. They work rapidly (30-60 minutes) and wear off after several hours. Short-term medicationsīenzodiazepines (like Xanax) are taken for anxiety and panic attacks as needed. Other medications sometimes used to treat anxiety- buspirone, atypical antipsychotics, some antihistamines, and some anticonvulsants-are also taken daily and typically take 4 to 6 weeks for people to notice a difference. There are many different types of antidepressants, and they all work a little differently. They should not be taken daily unless your doctor explicitly recommends it.Īntidepressants (like Prozac or Zoloft) are taken daily and typically take 4 to 6 weeks for people to notice a difference. These medications take effect almost immediately and usually start to wear off within a few hours. Short-term medications are helpful during brief episodes of intense anxiety, such as a panic attack.
#ANXIETY MEDS TO TAKE AS NEEDED FULL#
They must be taken every day for several weeks before you feel the full effect. Long-term medications are helpful if you feel anxious most days for a significant part of the day.Generally you can think of anxiety meds in 2 categories: There are many different types of anxiety medications, and they all work differently. It depends on what type of medication you are prescribed.
