What is the best thing to take for anxiety?: A Guide to Medication and Other Treatments

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, approximately 40 million U.S. adults are affected by anxiety disorders each year. When seeking relief, many ask, "What is the best thing to take for anxiety?" The answer is highly individual, as the most effective approach depends on a person's unique symptoms, overall health, and personal preferences, often involving a combination of strategies.

Quick Summary

There is no single best treatment for anxiety, and a personalized approach is most effective. Treatment options include psychotherapy like CBT, various medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, along with natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments.

Key Points

Personalized Treatment: There is no one-size-fits-all answer; the best treatment depends on individual symptoms, health, and preferences.
First-Line Medication: SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first medications tried for long-term anxiety management, but they can take weeks to become fully effective.
Short-Term Relief: Benzodiazepines offer rapid relief for acute anxiety or panic attacks but are typically reserved for short-term use due to dependency risks.
Effective Therapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based psychotherapy that provides long-lasting coping skills for managing anxiety.
Complementary Approach: Lifestyle changes like exercise, deep breathing, and mindfulness techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and complement other treatments.
Professional Guidance: It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the right treatment plan and manage any medication, side effects, or withdrawal issues.

Understanding Anxiety Treatment Options

Anxiety can be a debilitating condition, but effective treatment is available. The journey to relief often involves exploring a combination of therapies, with what works best varying significantly from person to person. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Medication for Anxiety

For many, medication is a key component of managing anxiety symptoms. Several classes of drugs are prescribed for anxiety, each with its own mechanism of action, efficacy, and side effect profile.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SSRIs and SNRIs are often considered first-line pharmacological treatments for anxiety disorders. They work by balancing certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a significant role in mood and anxiety regulation.

How they work: SSRIs increase serotonin levels, while SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine. This improved chemical balance can lead to reduced anxiety and an elevated mood.
Common examples:
- SSRIs: Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), and Paroxetine (Paxil).
- SNRIs: Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
Important considerations: These medications can take several weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect, and it's essential to not stop them abruptly due to potential withdrawal effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting sedatives used for short-term relief of severe or acute anxiety and panic attacks.

How they work: They enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Common examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and Lorazepam (Ativan).
Important considerations: Due to their potential for dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal, they are typically prescribed for short durations. They are often used in the initial phase of treatment while a longer-term medication like an SSRI is taking effect.

Other Medication Options

Buspirone (Buspar): A non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that may be used on an ongoing basis for generalized anxiety. It works more slowly than benzodiazepines but has a lower risk of dependency.
Beta-Blockers: Typically used for heart conditions, beta-blockers like Propranolol can help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a rapid heart rate and shaking, often used for situational or performance anxiety.
Hydroxyzine: An antihistamine with a sedative effect that can be used for short-term anxiety relief.

Psychotherapy for Anxiety

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders and is often recommended as a first-line treatment, sometimes in combination with medication.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals identify, understand, and change the thinking and behavioral patterns that trigger or maintain anxiety.

How it works: A therapist helps reframe negative or anxious thoughts into more realistic and positive ones, teaching coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques.
Benefits: CBT provides long-lasting skills and is effective for a range of anxiety disorders.

Exposure Therapy

This form of therapy is particularly useful for phobias and specific anxiety triggers. It involves gradual, controlled exposure to the source of fear to help a person manage their reaction over time.

Lifestyle and Natural Remedies

Lifestyle modifications and natural remedies can complement traditional treatments, and for some with mild anxiety, they may offer sufficient relief.

Exercise

Regular physical activity is a powerful stress reducer and mood booster.

Benefits: Exercise releases endorphins and can help divert attention from anxious thoughts. A consistent routine has been shown to reduce long-term anxiety symptoms.

Relaxation and Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can significantly reduce anxiety.

Benefits: These practices can promote a deep state of relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Some supplements and herbs have been explored for anxiety relief, though more research is often needed and potential interactions with other medications should be discussed with a doctor.

Examples: Magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, lavender oil, and chamomile tea have shown some promise.

Avoiding Triggers

Lifestyle habits can contribute to anxiety, and avoiding certain triggers can help manage symptoms.

Caffeine and Nicotine: Both can worsen anxiety symptoms and should be reduced or avoided by anxious individuals.
Alcohol: While it may seem to calm nerves temporarily, alcohol can ultimately worsen anxiety.

Comparison of Key Anxiety Treatments


Treatment Type	How it Works	Pros	Cons	Best For
SSRIs/SNRIs	Regulates neurotransmitters (serotonin/norepinephrine).	Long-term relief, effective for chronic anxiety, well-studied safety profile.	Can take weeks to work, potential side effects (nausea, sexual dysfunction), withdrawal if stopped abruptly.	Chronic, persistent anxiety disorders like GAD.
Benzodiazepines	Enhances GABA's calming effect.	Rapid, immediate relief of acute symptoms.	High potential for dependency and tolerance, short-term use only, withdrawal risks.	Short-term management of severe anxiety, panic attacks.
CBT	Changes thought and behavior patterns.	Provides lasting coping skills, addresses root causes, no side effects like medication.	Can be time-intensive, requires effort and consistency, not an instant fix.	Long-term management and building resilience for various anxiety disorders.
Lifestyle Changes	Promotes physical and mental well-being.	Safe, holistic, can improve overall health.	May not be sufficient for moderate to severe anxiety, results can take time.	Mild anxiety, complementary to other treatments.

Combining Treatment Approaches

For many, the most effective strategy involves a combination of these approaches. A common plan is to use a short-term benzodiazepine to provide immediate relief while an SSRI or SNRI is building up in the system, all while participating in CBT to develop long-term coping strategies. A healthcare provider can create a customized plan tailored to your specific needs.

The Role of Professional Guidance

Finding what works best is a collaborative effort between a patient and their healthcare team. Factors to consider include symptom severity, the type of anxiety disorder, other co-occurring conditions like depression, and personal values regarding medication versus therapy. It may take some trial and error to find the optimal combination that balances efficacy with tolerability. Consistency and open communication with your doctor are crucial for success.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single best answer to what is the best thing to take for anxiety. The most effective treatment is a highly personalized plan that addresses the individual's specific needs, which could be a medication, a form of therapy, or a combination of both. By working with a medical professional to explore all options, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines, psychotherapy like CBT, and lifestyle changes, individuals can develop a comprehensive strategy for managing their anxiety and improving their quality of life. Taking action and staying consistent with your treatment plan are the most important steps toward finding lasting relief. For more information on anxiety and its treatment options, consult an authoritative source like the National Institute of Mental Health. [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders]

Frequently Asked Questions

For immediate, short-term relief, benzodiazepines like Xanax or Ativan can quickly calm symptoms, but they carry risks of dependency and are not a long-term solution. Breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and other relaxation methods can also offer rapid, non-pharmacological relief.

While some natural remedies like exercise, meditation, and certain supplements can help manage mild anxiety, they are generally not as effective as prescription medications and therapy for treating moderate to severe anxiety disorders. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential.

The timeframe varies depending on the medication. Fast-acting benzodiazepines work quickly within hours, while long-term antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs can take several weeks to build up in your system and become fully effective.

Yes, many people find that a combination of medication and psychotherapy, particularly CBT, is the most effective approach for managing anxiety. This strategy can offer both immediate symptom relief and long-term coping skills.

Neither is inherently 'better.' Research shows both are very effective, but in different ways. CBT focuses on teaching coping skills for long-term management, while medication can directly alter brain chemistry to reduce symptoms. Often, a combination yields the best results.

Side effects vary by medication type. For SSRIs and SNRIs, they can include nausea, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and dependency. It's important to discuss potential side effects with a doctor.

Choosing a treatment plan involves consulting with a healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms, personal preferences, and any co-occurring health issues. A collaborative, informed decision-making process is key to finding the right fit.