Anxiety Medication Guide: Understanding Your Treatment Options

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and effective medications can help OhanaDocans regain control of their lives. This guide focuses on safe, non-controlled medication options that provide lasting relief without dependence concerns.

First-Line Anxiety Medications

OhanaDoc physicians focus on non-controlled medications that are effective and safe for long-term use:

SSRIs for Anxiety

FDA-approved for multiple anxiety disorders:

• Escitalopram (Lexapro): FDA-approved for GAD, effective and well-tolerated
• Sertraline (Zoloft): FDA-approved for panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety
• Paroxetine (Paxil): FDA-approved for GAD, panic, social anxiety, PTSD
• Fluoxetine (Prozac): FDA-approved for panic disorder and OCD

SNRIs for Anxiety

• Venlafaxine XR (Effexor): FDA-approved for GAD, social anxiety, panic
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta): FDA-approved for GAD

Other Non-Controlled Options

• Buspirone: Specifically for anxiety, no dependence potential
• Hydroxyzine: Fast-acting antihistamine for acute anxiety
• Propranolol: Beta-blocker for performance anxiety and physical symptoms

How Anxiety Medications Work

SSRIs/SNRIs

These medications:

• Gradually increase serotonin (and norepinephrine) levels
• Take 4-6 weeks to reach full effect
• Provide sustained anxiety relief, not just symptom masking
• Reduce both mental and physical anxiety symptoms

Buspirone

Works differently from other anxiety medications:

• Partial serotonin agonist - modulates serotonin activity
• No sedation or cognitive impairment
• No tolerance or dependence
• Takes 2-4 weeks for full effect

Managing Different Anxiety Types

Panic Disorder:

• First-line: Sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine
• May worsen initially - start at low doses
• Full effect may take 8-12 weeks

Social Anxiety Disorder:

• First-line: Paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine
• Propranolol for specific performance situations
• May need higher doses than for depression

What to Expect During Treatment

Initial period (weeks 1-2):

• Some anxiety may temporarily increase
• Mild side effects common (nausea, jitteriness)
• This is normal and usually resolves

Adjustment period (weeks 3-6):

• Anxiety gradually decreasing
• Side effects improving
• Sleep often improves first

Full effect (weeks 8-12):

• Maximum therapeutic benefit
• Panic attacks reduced or eliminated
• General anxiety significantly improved

Telehealth Anxiety Treatment

OhanaDoc allows licensed physicians to evaluate and prescribe anxiety medications via telehealth. Video consultations provide the same quality of care as in-person visits for mental health conditions.