Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Celexa
Lexapro †
Luvox †
Luvox CR †
Paxil * †
Prozac * †
Zoloft †

Citalopram
Escitalopram
Fluvoxamine
Paroxetine
Fluoxetine
Sertraline

PD, OCD, SAD, GAD, PTSD

Affects the concentration and activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical in the brain thought to be linked to anxiety disorders.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Adapin *
Anafranil *
Aventyl *
Elavil *
Ludiomil *
Norpramin *
Pamelor *
Sinequan *
Surmontil *
Tofranil *
Vivactil *

Doxepin
Clomiprimine
Nortriptyline
Amitriptyline
Maprotiline
Desipramine
Nortriptyline
Doxepin
Trimipramine
Imipramine
Protriptyline

PD, PTSD, GAD
OCD (Anafranil only)

Affects the concentration and activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, chemicals in the brain thought to be linked to anxiety disorders.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Marplan *
Nardil *
Parnate *

Isocarboxid
Phenelzine
Tranylcypromine

PD, SAD, PTSD

Blocks the effect of an important brain enzyme, preventing the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Other Antidepressants

Cymbalta
Desyrel *
Effexor †
Remeron

Duloxetine
Trazodone
Venlafaxine
MIrtazapine

PD, OCD, SAD, GAD, PTSD (sparse data for PTSD)

Affects the concentration of the neurotransmitters serotonin and/or norepinephrine, chemicals in the brain thought to be linked to anxiety disorders.

Wellbutrin

Bupropion

No current indication for any anxiety disorder.
Depression, possibly ADHD

Exact mechanism unknown;
effects may be mediated through the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.

Azapirones

BuSpar * †

Buspirone

GAD

Enhances the activity of serotonin.

Benzodiazepines

Ativan *
Dalmane *
Klonopin * †
Halcion *
Librium *
Restoril *
Serax *
Tranxene *
Valium *
Xanax * †

Lorazepam
Flurazepam
Clonazepam
Triazolam
Chlordiazepoxide
Temazepam
Oxazepam
Clorazepate
Diazepam
Alprazolam

GAD, SAD, PD

Exact mechanism unknown;
some research shown to enhance the function of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Antihistamines

Atarax, Vistaril *

Hydroxyzine

GAD

Sedative effects through blockade of histamine receptors in the brain.

Anticonvulsants (Augmentation therapy). These medications may be added when symptoms respond partially to another medication to increase the overall response to treatment.

Gabitril
Neurontin

Tiagabine
Gabapentin

Enhances the function of GABA.

Depakote *
Lamictal
Topimax

Valproate
Lamotrigine
Topiramate

Exact mechanisms unknown; possible effects include enhancing or inhibiting effects of neurotransmitters associated with anxiety and blockade of sodium channels in the brain.

Beta Blockers

Inderal *
Tenormin *

Propranolol
Atenolol
Prazosin

Performance anxiety, possibly PD

Blocks receptors associated with physiologic symptoms of anxiety.

Alpha Blocker

Minipress *

Prazosin

PTSD (nightmares)

Catapres
Tenex

Clonidine
Guanfacine

Some evidence in PTSD, anticipatory anxiety

Atypical Antipsychotics (Augmentation therapy). These medications may be added when symptoms respond partially to another medication to increase the overall response to treatment.

Abilify
Geodon
Risperdal
Seroquel
Zyprexa

Aripiprazole
Ziprasidone
Risperidone
Quetiepine
Olanzapine

Affects the concentration and activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical in the brain thought to be linked to anxiety disorders.