What do nurses take for anxiety? A comprehensive guide to medication and coping strategies

October 11, 2025 •

5 min read

Studies have shown that nurses experience mental health challenges, with anxiety rates among healthcare workers being a significant concern. Given the demanding nature of the profession, many nurses must seek effective strategies to manage stress, leading to the question: what do nurses take for anxiety?

Quick Summary

Many nurses manage anxiety using a variety of medications and coping strategies. This article details common prescriptions like SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers, their appropriate uses, and the importance of consulting a healthcare provider. It also covers effective non-pharmacological methods for supporting mental well-being.

Key Points

Long-Term Treatment: SSRIs and SNRIs are considered first-line options for the long-term management of chronic anxiety, though they can take several weeks to become fully effective.
Rapid Relief Options: Benzodiazepines are used for fast-acting, short-term relief during acute anxiety or panic attacks but carry a risk of dependence.
Managing Physical Symptoms: Beta-blockers can control the physical effects of anxiety, such as a racing heart or trembling, and are often used situationally.
Alternative Prescriptions: Non-addictive options like buspirone are available for chronic anxiety but require consistent, daily use to be effective.
Holistic Approach: Combining medication with non-pharmacological methods like CBT, exercise, and mindfulness techniques is often the most effective strategy for managing anxiety.
Seek Professional Help: Despite their medical knowledge, nurses should consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized, safe treatment plan.
Watch for Interactions: Awareness of potential interactions, such as those between some anxiety medications and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort, is critical.

The nursing profession is known for its high stress and demanding nature, which can significantly contribute to anxiety and burnout. For nurses struggling with this, finding effective management strategies is crucial not only for their own health but also for the well-being of their patients. A range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological options exist, and the best approach is often a personalized one developed in consultation with a healthcare provider. Nurses, despite their medical knowledge, are not exempt from the need for professional, unbiased medical advice for their own conditions.

First-Line Treatments: Long-Term Management

For persistent anxiety, healthcare providers typically start with long-term solutions that address the underlying chemical imbalances contributing to the condition. These often require several weeks of consistent use to become fully effective and are generally considered safer for sustained management than rapid-acting options.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are a class of antidepressants widely used as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How They Work: SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reabsorption into neurons, helping to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Common Examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Escitalopram (Lexapro).
Considerations: Patients should be aware that it can take several weeks to notice the full therapeutic effects. Side effects can include sexual dysfunction, weight changes, and insomnia.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are another class of antidepressants that are considered as effective as SSRIs, particularly for GAD.

How They Work: These medications work by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, impacting mood and anxiety.
Common Examples: Venlafaxine (Effexor) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Considerations: Similar to SSRIs, SNRIs require consistent daily use and several weeks to take effect. Potential side effects include fatigue, insomnia, GI upset, and changes in libido.

Short-Term Solutions: For Acute Anxiety

When immediate relief is necessary for an overwhelming episode, certain medications can provide rapid, but temporary, symptom reduction. These are generally not meant for long-term use.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting central nervous system depressants used for short-term management of acute anxiety, such as panic attacks.

How They Work: They enhance the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), producing a calming effect.
Common Examples: Lorazepam (Ativan), Alprazolam (Xanax), and Diazepam (Valium).
Considerations: Due to the high potential for dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, they are typically prescribed for brief periods. Long-term use should be avoided.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are primarily used to treat cardiovascular conditions but can be prescribed off-label for situational anxiety, managing its physical symptoms.

How They Work: They block the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, reducing physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, and trembling.
Common Examples: Propranolol and Atenolol.
Considerations: They do not treat the psychological aspects of anxiety but are useful for performance-based anxiety. They are often taken on an as-needed basis.

Other Prescribed Options

For those who need an alternative to the more common anxiety medications, other prescriptions are available that offer different mechanisms of action and risk profiles.

Buspirone (Buspar)

Buspirone is an atypical anxiolytic prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, it is not chemically related to sedatives and has a low potential for dependence.

How It Works: It affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, but it is slow-acting, requiring a few weeks of daily use to show its full effect.
Considerations: Not suitable for acute relief, but a safer option for long-term chronic anxiety management.

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with sedative properties that can be prescribed for anxiety, particularly for individuals for whom benzodiazepines are not appropriate.

How It Works: It works by blocking histamine, which has a calming effect. It is generally used for short-term anxiety and tension.

Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Anxiety

Medication is often most effective when combined with other coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes. Here are some strategies that nurses and other healthcare workers can employ:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured form of psychotherapy that helps identify and modify negative thought patterns and beliefs contributing to anxiety.
Stress Management Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help lower anxiety levels.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensuring adequate sleep, regular exercise, and proper nutrition are fundamental to mental and physical well-being. Regular breaks and maintaining a good work-life balance are also critical.
Seek Support: Talking with trusted colleagues, finding a mentor, or seeking professional counseling can provide validation and guidance for navigating work-related stress.

Comparison Table: Anxiety Medication Options


Medication Class	Best for...	Speed of Relief	Potential for Dependence	Common Side Effects
SSRIs	Chronic anxiety, GAD, PTSD	Slow (weeks)	Low	Sexual dysfunction, insomnia, weight gain
SNRIs	Chronic anxiety, GAD	Slow (weeks)	Low	Insomnia, GI upset, fatigue
Benzodiazepines	Acute anxiety, panic attacks	Fast (minutes to hour)	High	Sedation, dependence, withdrawal
Beta-Blockers	Situational anxiety, physical symptoms	Fast (as-needed)	Low	Fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure
Buspirone	Chronic GAD	Slow (weeks)	Low	Dizziness, nausea, headache
Hydroxyzine	Short-term anxiety, insomnia	Moderate	Low	Sedation, dizziness, dry mouth

The Role of Professional Guidance

Even as medical professionals, nurses must seek professional medical guidance when addressing their own mental health. Self-diagnosing or self-medicating can lead to complications or ineffective treatment. A healthcare provider can assess the specific type and severity of anxiety and help determine the most appropriate course of action. This may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of approaches. It's also important to remember that some over-the-counter supplements or herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications, making professional consultation essential.

Conclusion

Anxiety among nurses is a serious issue, but it is manageable with the right tools and support. While medication, including SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers, can be an effective component of a treatment plan, it should be considered alongside non-pharmacological strategies like therapy, stress management, and lifestyle changes. The journey to mental wellness is highly individual, and the best path forward involves a collaborative effort with a healthcare provider to find a safe and effective solution. Seeking help is a sign of resilience and a crucial step toward ensuring both personal and professional sustainability in the demanding field of nursing. For more information, consider exploring resources from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is their speed and duration of action. SSRIs are long-term, slow-acting medications for chronic anxiety, while benzodiazepines are fast-acting, short-term options for acute, severe anxiety or panic attacks and carry a higher risk of dependence.

Yes, many non-pharmacological strategies can help, including therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), stress management techniques such as deep breathing, regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep.

Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, can help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, like a rapid heart rate or trembling, which can be beneficial for situational anxiety. They do not address the psychological components of anxiety itself.

Yes, buspirone (Buspar) is a non-addictive medication prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, it is not a sedative and has a much lower potential for misuse.

Benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use, typically for a few weeks, due to the risks of developing tolerance, dependence, and potential withdrawal symptoms.

OTC supplements or remedies like L-Theanine or chamomile might be used for mild anxiety, but their efficacy varies. It is critical to consult a healthcare provider before use, as they can have significant interactions with other medications.

Yes, in all 50 U.S. states, PMHNPs have some level of prescriptive authority, and in many states, they can prescribe medication autonomously to manage mental health disorders.