Much like other health conditions, anxiety disorders vary widely from case to case. Regardless of presentation or severity, the right medication can make a huge difference in navigating life-disrupting anxiety symptoms. So what are the top 10 medications for anxiety, and are they all available only by prescription?
Can You Treat Anxiety With OTC Medications?
According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety can be broadly described as “intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.” To clarify, having some anxiety about everyday situations, such as the score on a college test or getting a speeding ticket, is normal. Anxiety disorders take that situationally appropriate anxiety and put it through a mental megaphone, leaving the mind unable to concentrate on important tasks or even disrupting sleep.
If over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, work for occasional aches and pains, are there anxiety medications that can also be purchased without a prescription? While mild anxiety may be alleviated by using certain supplements and OTC medicines, no targeted nonprescription medications are available that work as reliably as prescription anxiety medications. That doesn’t mean, however, that these OTC solutions can’t support overall health and well-being, particularly when paired with professional medical care.
What Are the Top 10 Medications for Anxiety?
The treatment of almost any medical condition offers a variety of options, many of which can be utilized in conjunction with each other as instructed by a physician. When discussing popular choices used for symptom management, the top 10 medications for anxiety typically include five herbal supplements and five additional prescription options.
Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat medical symptoms, often in the absence (or before the invention) of more targeted prescription medications.
Because anxiety can be low-level and persistent without being debilitating for some, adding certain herbs and supplements is a popular choice for nonprescription symptom management. The Mayo Clinic notes that the first five entries on this top-10 list are popular herbs used for OTC anxiety management. The final five entries on this list are common doctor-prescribed medications used separately from, or sometimes in conjunction with, those supplements for anxiety treatment.
- Kava. A plant found in Pacific Island regions, kava is typically available in dried or powdered form in pills and capsules.
- Passionflower. Harvested from bright purple, vine-grown flowers, passionflower extracts and derivatives may cause cognitive difficulties when taken in large amounts or over a prolonged period.
- Valerian. While its efficacy is debated, valerian root is typically available as pills or capsules. It can cause sleepiness in sensitive users.
- Chamomile. Arguably one of the most well-known herbal treatments for anxiety, dried chamomile is available in capsules but is often steeped in hot water and drunk as a tea as well. It may cause allergies in those sensitive to ragweed, as the two plants are part of the same family.
- Lavender. Commonly used in aromatherapy when inhaled as a fragrance rather than ingested directly, lavender may help users feel more relaxed in their homes or workspaces.
- Zoloft. A prescription medication in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, family of medicines, the generic name for Zoloft is sertraline.
- Prozac. Another prescription SSRI, its generic name is fluoxetine.
- Celexa. The generic name for this prescription SSRI is citalopram.
- Xanax. This is a prescription medication in the benzodiazepine family of medicines. Its generic name is alprazolam.
- Ativan. This is a benzodiazepine available by prescription, and its generic name is lorazepam.
As with any supplement or medication, only take these under the direct advice or supervision of a medical professional. Any of these substances, including natural herbs, can cause serious issues for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking certain other medications.
The prescription medicines on this list are also carefully controlled, which means a user needs a doctor’s prescription and ongoing monitoring to ensure they’re receiving the correct support for their anxiety symptoms. A medical team may try several prescription medications before settling on one that offers the best support. This is a normal part of the process when treating anxiety using prescription medications.
Risks and Limitations of Self-Medicating
Anxiety is widespread, with a U.S. Centers for Disease Control report finding that a concerning 18.2% of Americans over the age of 18 experienced anxiety in 2022. Nearly 1 in 5 adults struggles with symptoms, so self-medicating can be tempting as a way to cope. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems beyond anxiety, including accidental overdose, medication interactions and avoiding necessary treatments. Herbal remedies may not be strong enough or long-lasting enough to combat symptoms in a meaningful way, leaving those suffering with anxiety feeling hopeless or depressed.
Anxiety may also be part of a more complex underlying medical issue, which is why it’s important to be properly assessed by a medical team. In some cases, symptoms mimicking anxiety may actually be caused by low blood sugar, chemical imbalances or chronic illnesses that require diagnosis and more targeted treatment. In other words, in some cases, the strongest natural anxiety medications are knowledge and accurate data.
Safer Paths to Managing Anxiety
Anxiety is difficult to deal with by itself, but the feelings of isolation and hopelessness that often follow overwhelming symptom outbreaks can also be devastating. The most important component in coping with and mitigating anxiety is seeking accurate assessment and treatment as quickly as possible. Downplaying symptoms, “masking” (hiding symptoms from others) and ignoring life-disrupting mental and physiological symptoms are all forms of harmful avoidance. While there are admittedly problems ranging from cultural pressures to time management when it comes to addressing anxiety, consistently delaying treatment only leads to a crisis later on.
Anxiety is common, and it’s natural and normal to seek help and discuss it with supportive loved ones and dedicated medical professionals. Don’t wait until it disrupts your life and personal relationships. It’s best to treat anxiety early and prevent it from escalating.
Get Your Professional Evaluation Today
Are you dealing with anxiety or concerning symptoms that might lead to anxiety in the future? Reclaiming your life is easier with the right support on your side. The caring professionals at FHE Rehab are here for you 24 hours a day. Contact us now to set up your appointment.
