What medications are used for anxiety?

Explains medications for anxiety, including SSRIs, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines, and highlights how combining medication with therapy and lifestyle strategies can help teenagers manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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  • 6 minute read
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Anxiety is a common issue that can affect teenagers in many ways, from school stress to social pressures. While therapy and lifestyle changes are often the first steps in managing anxiety, medication can also be an option for those who need additional support. This article explains the types of medications used for anxiety, their impact on young people, and practical strategies for dealing with anxiety alongside medication.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress or danger. It's normal to feel anxious in certain situations, like before a big test or meeting new people. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or constant, it can interfere with your daily life and might require treatment.

How Medication Helps with Anxiety

Medications for anxiety work by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood and stress. While they don't cure anxiety, they can reduce symptoms, making it easier to cope with challenges and benefit from therapy or self-help strategies.

Types of Medications for Anxiety

There are several types of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety. A doctor or psychiatrist will decide which one is best based on your symptoms and needs. Here's an overview:

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are a type of antidepressant often used to treat anxiety. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. What medications are used for anxiety?
  • Common SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Celexa).
  • It may take a few weeks for SSRIs to start working, so patience is important.

2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are similar to SSRIs but also increase norepinephrine, another brain chemical that helps regulate mood and stress.
  • Common SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
  • They are often used for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

3. Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are typically used to treat heart conditions, but they can also help with physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart or trembling.
  • Propranolol is a common beta-blocker used for anxiety, especially for performance-related anxiety.
  • They are often taken as needed, rather than daily.

4. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications that can quickly reduce severe anxiety symptoms. However, they are usually prescribed for short-term use because they can be habit-forming.
  • Common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan).
  • They are often used for panic attacks or extreme anxiety in specific situations.

5. Buspirone

Buspirone is a medication specifically for anxiety. It works by affecting serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain and is usually taken daily.
  • It's often used for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
  • Unlike benzodiazepines, it is not addictive.

Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety Alongside Medication

While medication can help reduce anxiety, combining it with other strategies can lead to better long-term results. Here are some tips:

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation exercises can help calm your mind and body. Try:
  • Deep Breathing: Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting with your toes.

2. Stay Active

Exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

3. Use Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness helps you focus on the present moment. Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through meditation and relaxation exercises.

4. Create a Routine

A regular schedule can provide stability and reduce uncertainty. Try to wake up, eat meals, and go to bed at consistent times each day.

5. Limit Caffeine and Sugar

Caffeine and sugar can increase feelings of nervousness. Cutting back on energy drinks or sugary snacks might help reduce symptoms.

6. Build a Support System

Talk to friends, family, or a school counsellor about how you're feeling. Having someone to listen can make a big difference.

7. Keep a Journal

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process your emotions and track how medication or strategies are working for you.

When to Consider Medication

Medication might be a good option if anxiety is significantly affecting your daily life and other treatments haven't been enough. Signs that medication might help include:
  • Constant worry or fear that doesn't go away
  • Difficulty concentrating or performing well at school
  • Physical symptoms like chest pain, headaches, or trouble sleeping
  • Avoiding friends, school, or activities you used to enjoy
If you think medication might be right for you, talk to your GP or a mental health professional. They can help you understand your options and decide on the best course of action.

Things to Keep in Mind About Medication

  • Patience Is Key: Some medications take a few weeks to start working, so don't be discouraged if you don't feel better right away.
  • Follow Your Doctor's Instructions: Always take your medication as prescribed and talk to your doctor before making any changes.
  • Side Effects Are Possible: Some people experience side effects like nausea, fatigue, or headaches when starting medication. These often improve over time.
  • Combine Medication with Therapy: Medication works best when combined with therapy, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Final Thoughts

Medications for anxiety can provide much-needed relief for teenagers struggling with constant worry or fear. By balancing brain chemicals and reducing symptoms, they can make it easier to focus on school, build confidence, and enjoy daily life. If you're considering medication, talk to a trusted adult or healthcare professional to explore your options. Remember, medication is just one tool among many, combining it with healthy habits, mindfulness, and support can help you manage anxiety effectively and build resilience for the future.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.