Which medications are commonly used to treat anxiety?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders due to their effectiveness in regulating neurotransmitters that influence mood and anxiety levels.

These classes of medications work by increasing the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. Clinical studies have shown that SSRIs and SNRIs can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and are often considered a first-line treatment option.

Other options, such as opioids, are primarily used for pain management and can lead to dependency without addressing the underlying anxiety. Antihistamines are sometimes used for their sedative effects but are not first-line treatments for anxiety. Stimulants, typically used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms rather than alleviate them. Therefore, SSRIs and SNRIs stand out as the most suitable and widely accepted pharmacological interventions for anxiety management.