Anxiety can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone, and there are safe, effective ways to manage it. Psychiatric medications can play a key role in reducing symptoms, especially when paired with therapy and coping tools.
There are two major types of anti-anxiety medications. The first group includes fast-acting medications like benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax). These can be helpful during a panic attack or short-term crisis but aren’t recommended for long-term use because of tolerance and dependency risks.
The second group includes medications like SSRIs and SNRIs—yes, the same ones used for depression. They take longer to work but are much safer and more effective for long-term anxiety management. Buspirone is another option for chronic anxiety that’s non-sedating and not habit-forming.
At Cognitive Behavior Institute, we help you understand these options and determine what’s appropriate based on your unique needs, symptoms, and goals.
To discuss the safest options for managing anxiety, visit PaPsychotherapy.org and connect with our psychiatry team.
