What anxiety medication gives you energy? A guide to activating options

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 40 million adults in the U.S. experience an anxiety disorder each year, and many report persistent fatigue as a debilitating symptom. When managing both anxiety and low energy, patients often ask, 'What anxiety medication gives you energy?' The answer lies in certain classes of antidepressants that act on specific neurotransmitters to provide an activating effect.

Quick Summary

This article explores medications that can treat anxiety while increasing energy and motivation. It covers norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors like bupropion, certain serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and activating selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Key considerations, including how these differ from sedating options, are also examined.

Key Points

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is often cited for its energizing effect due to its action on dopamine and norepinephrine, making it a good option for anxiety accompanied by fatigue.
SNRIs like Cymbalta and Effexor can boost energy by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine, targeting both mood and alertness.
Some SSRIs, like Prozac, are considered activating and can be prescribed for anxiety, but individual responses to these medications can vary.
Individual response is critical, as what is energizing for one person may cause nervousness in another. A careful, doctor-guided approach is necessary.
Buspirone (Buspar) is a non-sedating anxiolytic with a low risk of dependence that can be a good option for those sensitive to drowsy side effects.
Some medications are used off-label for anxiety because they can effectively treat co-occurring symptoms like fatigue and low motivation, even if they aren't standard anxiety treatments.
Combination therapy using a medication like Wellbutrin alongside a traditional SSRI is a common strategy to maximize benefits and minimize side effects.
Treatment should be personalized and based on a thorough consultation with a healthcare provider, considering all symptoms, not just anxiety itself.

For many individuals, anxiety is not just characterized by worry and restlessness but also by profound exhaustion, brain fog, and a lack of motivation. This can be particularly challenging when many common anti-anxiety medications have sedating side effects. Fortunately, some pharmaceutical options are known to have an activating or energizing effect by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain.

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs): Bupropion

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) primarily increases norepinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to motivation and energy. While not a first-line treatment for GAD, it's used off-label, especially when depression and fatigue are also present. Bupropion can be energizing, which helps counteract fatigue, and is usually taken in the morning. However, it can also increase anxiety in some individuals.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to alertness and energy. Common SNRIs for anxiety, like venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can improve energy and focus, beneficial for those with lethargy. Side effects can include elevated blood pressure and initial anxiety.

Activating Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

While many SSRIs are calming, some can be more activating. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is often considered activating and can be helpful for anxiety with low energy, though individual responses vary. Vilazodone (Viibryd), an SSRI and partial serotonin receptor agonist, may also have less sedation than other options.

Comparison of Energizing Anxiety Medications


Feature	Bupropion (Wellbutrin)	SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor)	Activating SSRIs (e.g., Prozac)
Primary Neurotransmitters	Dopamine, Norepinephrine	Serotonin, Norepinephrine	Serotonin
Energy Effect	Often stimulating/energizing	Can increase energy and focus	Activating for some individuals
Best For	Anxiety with comorbid depression and fatigue; low motivation; off-label use	GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety; often used for co-occurring chronic pain	Anxiety with significant fatigue; sometimes used when other options fail
Potential Drawback	Can increase anxiety in some; not FDA-approved for anxiety	May increase blood pressure; can cause initial anxiety	Efficacy and side effects vary; activating nature can be problematic

The Role of Non-Sedating Anxiolytics

Some medications are not necessarily energizing but avoid the drowsiness of sedating options.

Buspirone (Buspar): This anxiolytic modulates serotonin and has a low risk of dependence. It's not overtly energizing but is non-sedating for most, suitable for those sensitive to drowsiness.

Navigating Your Treatment Options

Selecting the right medication requires guidance from a healthcare provider. Combining medication with other strategies is often effective.

Combination therapy: Sometimes, combining medications, like an SSRI with bupropion, can balance effects and manage side effects like fatigue or sexual dysfunction.
Individual response: Medication effects vary greatly from person to person. Finding the right fit might take time.
Consultation is key: Discussing all symptoms, including energy levels, with your doctor is vital for a tailored treatment plan.

Conclusion

For anxiety with low energy, activating medications like bupropion, certain SNRIs, and activating SSRIs offer potential relief by targeting neurotransmitters that influence both mood and vitality. Individual responses differ, making a collaborative approach with a healthcare provider essential to determine the best treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

An activating medication, such as bupropion, tends to increase alertness and energy, which can help with fatigue. In contrast, a sedating medication, like a benzodiazepine, has a calming effect and can cause drowsiness.

No, Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not typically a first-line treatment for anxiety. It is FDA-approved for depression and seasonal affective disorder but is sometimes used off-label for anxiety, particularly when fatigue is a major symptom.

Yes, it is possible. The stimulating effects of some medications can increase feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or jitteriness in some individuals. It's crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor.

The timeframe varies, but it may take several weeks to experience the full therapeutic effect. While some people report initial changes in energy or mood within the first few weeks, patience and consistent daily use are key.

If an energizing medication increases your anxiety, you should talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting the dose, changing to a different medication with a more neutral or calming profile, or adding another medication to help manage the heightened anxiety.

Yes, some healthcare providers may prescribe a combination of medications. For example, a medication like Wellbutrin might be paired with an SSRI to achieve a balanced effect that addresses both fatigue and anxiety. This should only be done under medical supervision.

Yes, buspirone (Buspar) is an anti-anxiety medication that is not a controlled substance and is not considered addictive. It is non-sedating, making it a suitable option for individuals concerned about drowsiness.