Medication for Anxiety, What Types of Medicines Might Be Used
Medication is one possible part of treatment for some anxiety disorders, but there is no single medicine called “anxiety medication”.
Medication is one possible part of treatment for some anxiety disorders, but there is no single medicine called “anxiety medication”.
Different medicines may be considered in different circumstances, and psychological treatments are also important parts of NHS anxiety care.
A diagnosis, the type of anxiety difficulty, other health conditions, other medicines, previous treatment and individual preferences can all affect the clinical discussion.
Antidepressants can be prescribed for anxiety
The word antidepressant can be confusing when somebody does not have depression.
NICE explains that SSRIs can be used for generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Other antidepressant classes may be considered in some circumstances.
Being prescribed an antidepressant for anxiety does not mean your clinician thinks you have depression.
Some other medicines have more limited roles
There are medicines from other drug groups that clinicians may consider in particular circumstances.
Some can be associated with dependence or withdrawal and some are intended only for limited situations rather than routine long-term treatment.
This is why a list of “medicines for anxiety” is not a safe substitute for an individual clinical assessment.
Medication is not the whole anxiety treatment pathway
NICE guidance for anxiety disorders includes psychological approaches as well as medication.
The appropriate pathway depends on the particular anxiety disorder and the person’s circumstances.
MH360 does not recommend that somebody chooses medication over talking therapy, or talking therapy over medication. Those are treatment discussions to have with appropriately qualified professionals.
Why might a prescriber ask about other medicines or substances?
Interactions matter.
Prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and recreational substances can sometimes affect treatment choices or interact with prescribed medication.
Give your healthcare professional accurate information about what you take. The purpose is to help them prescribe safely, not to invite judgement.
Useful questions are about your own treatment
Rather than asking which anxiety medicine is “best”, ask why a treatment has been suggested for you, what it is intended to help, what unwanted effects or interactions you should know about and when it will be reviewed.
If you are worried about dependence or withdrawal, say so directly.
Those concerns are appropriate subjects for a conversation with your GP, prescriber or pharmacist.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important medication and mental health information
This guide provides general information only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to recommend any particular medicine, treatment, dose, change to medication or course of action.
Medicines can affect people differently. The appropriate treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, health, other medicines you take and the reason treatment has been prescribed.
Do not start, stop, reduce, increase, change or switch prescribed medication based on information in this guide. If you have questions or concerns about your medication, side effects, missed doses, withdrawal symptoms or whether treatment is helping, speak to your GP, prescribing clinician, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Some medicines used in mental-health treatment can be associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Do not change or stop prescribed medication without professional advice.
If you think you may be experiencing a serious reaction to medication, seek urgent medical advice.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent help but it is not a life-threatening emergency, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or use your local NHS urgent mental health service.