Anxiety Disorders and Medications: The Basics
There are several types of medications used to treat anxiety disorders.
Within each of these categories, there are subgroups of drugs that work differently and have their own benefits, risks, and possible side effects.
Antidepressant medications often take two to eight weeks to be fully effective.
“[SSRIs are] super effective in treating anxiety disorders [for certain people],” says Beth Salcedo, MD, the medical director of the Ross Center in Washington, DC. It’s not known exactly how SSRIs work on serotonin to alleviate anxiety, says Dr. Salcedo, but what is known is that they’re not addictive like benzodiazepines are, though they can cause uncomfortable symptoms if people stop taking them abruptly.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any prescription drug. Talk to them if you’re concerned about the side effects of a medication or if the drug you’re taking doesn’t seem to be alleviating your symptoms.
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