What Medication Is Good for Panic Attacks and Anxiety? A Detailed Overview

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults, or 19.1% of the population [1.2.4]. For those seeking relief, understanding what medication is good for panic attacks and anxiety is a critical first step toward management and recovery.

Quick Summary

An overview of primary medications for anxiety and panic disorders. It details first-line treatments like SSRIs for long-term management and options like benzodiazepines for acute, short-term symptom relief.

Key Points

First-Line Treatment: SSRIs and SNRIs are the most common and effective long-term medications for managing both anxiety and panic disorders [1.3.1].
Short-Term Relief: Benzodiazepines offer rapid relief from acute panic attacks but carry a high risk of dependence and are not for long-term use [1.3.5, 1.6.1].
Physical Symptoms: Beta-blockers are effective at managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart, especially in performance-related situations [1.7.2, 1.7.3].
Non-Addictive Option: Buspirone is an effective, non-addictive medication for generalized anxiety disorder, though it can take weeks to work [1.8.2].
Individualized Care: The 'best' medication is highly individual and depends on factors like symptom type, medical history, and side effect tolerance [1.4.5].
Holistic Approach: Medication is most effective when combined with psychotherapy, like CBT, and healthy lifestyle changes [1.9.3].
Professional Guidance: Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the right treatment plan and never stop medication abruptly without medical supervision [1.10.4].

Understanding Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and interfere with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder [1.2.4]. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions when there is no real danger. The goal of medication is not to cure these conditions but to alleviate symptoms and improve function [1.3.2]. A healthcare professional must be consulted to determine the appropriate treatment.

First-Line Medications: Long-Term Management

The most common first-line treatments for panic and anxiety disorders are antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) [1.3.1, 1.3.5]. These medications are typically used for long-term management and may take several weeks to become fully effective [1.4.1].

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in mood [1.3.2]. They are effective in reducing the frequency of panic attacks, lowering overall anxiety, and improving mood [1.3.5].

Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Fluoxetine (Prozac) [1.3.5].
Common Side Effects: Initial side effects can include nausea, headache, difficulty sleeping, and diarrhea, but they often diminish over time [1.4.1, 1.4.3].

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs function by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain [1.3.2]. Norepinephrine influences alertness, energy, and emotions [1.3.2].

Examples: Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta) [1.3.5].
Common Side Effects: Side effects are similar to SSRIs and can also include dry mouth, dizziness, and excessive sweating [1.5.2, 1.5.3]. Some SNRIs may also elevate blood pressure [1.5.4].

Medications for Acute and Situational Anxiety

For rapid relief of acute panic symptoms or for predictable, situational anxiety (like public speaking), other classes of medication are often used.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting sedatives that provide immediate relief from panic symptoms by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain [1.3.5, 1.6.1]. Due to the risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction, they are typically prescribed only for short-term use [1.4.1, 1.6.1].

Examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and Lorazepam (Ativan) [1.3.5].
Risks: Long-term use can lead to physical dependence and significant withdrawal symptoms [1.6.1]. Combining them with alcohol or other depressants is dangerous and can lead to overdose [1.6.3].

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are typically used for heart conditions but can be prescribed "off-label" to manage the physical symptoms of performance anxiety, such as a racing heart, shaking, and sweating [1.3.2, 1.7.2]. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline [1.7.2].

Examples: Propranolol (Inderal) and Atenolol (Tenormin) [1.3.5].
Use Case: They are intended for occasional, situational use and do not treat the underlying psychological symptoms of anxiety [1.7.2, 1.7.3].

Other Notable Medications

Buspirone

Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that is not chemically related to other anxiolytics. It is FDA-approved for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and is a non-addictive option with milder side effects compared to benzodiazepines [1.8.1, 1.8.2]. It affects serotonin and dopamine receptors but, like SSRIs, can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective [1.8.3, 1.8.4].

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs are an older class of antidepressants that are effective but are used less frequently now because they tend to cause more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs [1.3.2]. Examples include Imipramine (Tofranil) and Clomipramine (Anafranil) [1.3.3].

Comparison of Common Anxiety Medications


Medication Class	Mechanism of Action	Best For	Common Side Effects	Risk of Dependence
SSRIs	Increases serotonin levels in the brain [1.3.2]	Long-term management of panic and anxiety disorders [1.3.1]	Nausea, headache, insomnia, sexual dysfunction [1.4.3]	Low [1.4.2]
SNRIs	Increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels [1.3.2]	Long-term management, especially with comorbid pain [1.3.1]	Similar to SSRIs, plus potential for high BP [1.5.2, 1.5.4]	Low [1.5.1]
Benzodiazepines	Enhances the effect of GABA for a calming effect [1.3.5]	Rapid, short-term relief from acute panic attacks [1.3.5, 1.4.1]	Drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, impaired coordination [1.4.2]	High [1.6.1]
Beta-Blockers	Blocks the effects of adrenaline to reduce physical symptoms [1.7.2]	Situational/performance anxiety (physical symptoms) [1.7.3]	Fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath [1.7.2]	Low
Buspirone	Affects serotonin and dopamine receptors [1.8.4]	Long-term management of GAD (non-sedating) [1.8.1]	Dizziness, nausea, headache [1.8.1]	No known risk [1.8.1]

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

Medication is often most effective when combined with non-pharmacological treatments [1.9.3].

Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment that helps individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors [1.9.3].
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and mindfulness practices can significantly help manage anxiety symptoms [1.9.2, 1.9.3].

Conclusion

There is no single 'best' medication for everyone. The most suitable choice depends on the specific type of anxiety disorder, symptom severity, individual health history, and potential side effects [1.4.5]. SSRIs and SNRIs are the first-line standard for long-term care, while benzodiazepines and beta-blockers serve important roles for acute and situational symptoms. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to create a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan. Never self-medicate or alter dosages without professional guidance, as abruptly stopping some medications can cause significant withdrawal symptoms [1.10.4].

For more information, you can visit the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) at https://adaa.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs typically take several weeks to start working effectively [1.4.1]. In contrast, benzodiazepines can provide relief from acute symptoms very rapidly [1.4.1].

No, you should never stop taking anxiety medication abruptly without consulting your doctor. Suddenly stopping can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of your condition [1.10.4]. A doctor will help you taper off the medication slowly and safely.

Common side effects when first starting SSRIs include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, and sexual dysfunction. These side effects are often temporary and improve as your body adjusts to the medication [1.4.3, 1.4.5].

SSRIs are antidepressants used for long-term management of anxiety by gradually increasing serotonin levels in the brain [1.11.1, 1.11.2]. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting sedatives that provide immediate, short-term relief from acute anxiety symptoms but carry a high risk of dependence [1.3.5, 1.11.2].

Yes, medications like benzodiazepines or beta-blockers can be taken on an as-needed basis for acute panic attacks or predictable situational anxiety [1.3.1, 1.7.3]. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Yes, SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone are considered non-addictive options for the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders [1.4.2, 1.8.2].

Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is a very effective non-pharmacological treatment. Additionally, regular exercise, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and getting adequate sleep are proven methods for managing anxiety [1.9.2, 1.9.3].