Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Affecting millions of people, anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders across the world.
  • [1] These disorders can profoundly affect daily functioning, leading to fear, worry, and a host of physical symptoms.
  • While lifestyle management and therapy are crucial elements of anxiety medications, experts often prescribe medications to reduce symptoms and improve life quality.
Reading time: 13 min

Affecting millions of people, anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders across the world. [1] These disorders can profoundly affect daily functioning, leading to fear, worry, and a host of physical symptoms. While lifestyle management and therapy are crucial elements of anxiety medications, experts often prescribe medications to reduce symptoms and improve life quality. However, like other medications, anxiety pills can also lead to a range of side effects. Understanding these side effects can help individuals make informed choices and control their anxiety with minimal complications.

To understand anxiety pills side effects, it is imperative to know about the categories of these medications, as each may lead to a different set of adverse reactions. The most commonly used anxiety medications include the following: [2]

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

These medications include sertraline, fluoxetine, and escitalopram, along with many other similar drugs. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain to positively impact mood. This drug class is typically the best for controlling panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety.

Buspirone

This non-benzo medication is a potent anxiolytic that directly impacts dopamine and serotonin receptors. Buspirone typically works well for generalized anxiety disorder but requires long-term use, with effects not noticeable until weeks.

Benzodiazepines

Some examples of benzodiazepines include diazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam, which work by enhancing the impact of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to produce a calming effect. Benzodiazepines can help manage acute anxiety episodes and are reserved for short-term use due to a high risk of dependence.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Common examples of SNRIs include duloxetine and venlafaxine, which work by boosting norepinephrine and serotonin to reduce anxiety and improve mood. SNRIs are best used to control panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and other associated conditions.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs generally include medications like tranylcypromine and phenelzine that work by preventing the breakdown of mood-regulating chemicals, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. This drug class is usually used in cases where all other anxiety pills have failed or are contraindicated.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers, such as atenolol and propranolol, work by blocking the effect of a chemical called adrenaline. These medications essentially relax the body and control physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shakiness and a rapid heart rate. Beta-blockers are often helpful in managing situational anxiety, for example, performance anxiety.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs include medications like clomipramine and imipramine that work by regulating serotonin, norepinephrine, and other mood regulators to manage anxiety. While TCAs are highly effective, they have a higher chance of causing side effects, making them a less likely choice to consider.

The primary benefit of using an anti-anxiety medication is their ability to manage debilitating symptoms. For many people, these pills can bring significant relief while helping them maintain relationships, engage in everyday activities, and improve their overall quality of life.

Following is a quick overview of why someone would be keen to try an anti-anxiety pill:

  • Improved Functioning: By managing anxiety, individuals on anxiety medication can perform better at school or work while enhancing their social interactions.
  • Symptom Management: Anxiety medications can manage both physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, panic attacks, and excessive worry.
  • Relapse Reduction: In some cases, anti-anxiety medications can reduce the risk of anxiety relapses, especially in people with chronic disorders.
  • Augmenting Therapy: Anti-anxiety medication can increase the efficacy of psychotherapy by decreasing symptoms to a level where an individual can adequately engage in treatment. [3]

While anxiety pills can be highly effective in managing symptoms, they also have a risk of causing side effects. The type and severity of these side effects may vary depending on which anti-anxiety pill a person is using, their dosage, and individual response.

Mentioned below are some common short and long term effects of anxiety medicine:

While anxiety medications can be highly effective, they also come with the potential for side effects. The nature and severity of these side effects vary depending on the type of medication, dosage, and individual response. Below are the common side effects associated with each category of anxiety medication:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Following are some common side effects of using SSRI drugs:

  • Sleep Disruptions: Increased drowsiness or insomnia.
  • Sexual Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving orgasms, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea.
  • Weight Gain: Increased body weight, especially with long-term use.

Most side effects associated with SSRIs typically diminish over time, but in some cases, they can be severe enough to change the medication.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Following are some common side effects of using SNRIs: [4]

  • Sweating: Profuse sweating, especially during the night.
  • Dry Mouth: Dryness of the oral cavity, sometimes leading to discomfort.
  • Elevated Blood Pressure: A high blood pressure, especially in people using higher doses.
  • Sexual Dysfunction: Reduced performance and libido.

Experts strictly advise all people taking an SNRI to monitor their blood pressure as regularly as possible. This is particularly true for people with pre-existing hypertension, as they may need adjustments in their medications.

Benzodiazepines

The following are the common side effects of using benzodiazepines:

  • Drowsiness: Sedative effects impair daily functions.
  • Respiratory Depression: Slowed breathing, mainly when used with other depressants of the nervous system.
  • Dependence: Physical dependence leading to withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, especially following long-term use.
  • Cognitive Impairment: Poor concentration and issues with day-to-day memory.

Due to a considerable risk of dependence, mental health experts prescribe benzodiazepines only for short-term use.

Buspirone

Following are some common side effects of buspirone:

  • Dizziness: Feeling unsteady and lightheaded.
  • Nausea: Mild and transient episodes of feeling sick.
  • Headaches: Mild to moderately severe headaches.
  • Nervousness: Jitteriness and restlessness.

Most people can tolerate buspirone well with fewer side effects compared to other anxiety pills. Hence, it is a good option for long-term use.

Beta-Blockers

Following are some common side effects of using beta-blockers: [5]

  • Bradycardia: Also known as slow heart rate, it may become symptomatic and cause hypotension, dizziness, and falls in some people.
  • Cold Extremities: Cold feet and hands due to reduced blood circulation.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and vivid dreams.
  • Fatigue: A feeling of lethargy and tiredness, especially in people taking higher doses of beta blockers.

Beta-blockers are not a usual option for daily anxiety management and are best for specific situations. For instance, some people like taking it before an anxiety-provoking event, like a presentation or exam.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

The following are the side effects of using tricyclic antidepressants:

  • Anticholinergic Effects: Blurry vision, dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation.
  • Drowsiness: Sedation leads to a reduced level of alertness and poor daily functioning.
  • Cardiovascular Issues: Arrhythmias and other cardiac issues, particularly in people with pre-existing heart problems.
  • Weight Gain: Significant increase in body weight, especially with long-term use

Due to the TCA side effect profile, these medications are not the first option for anxiety management. Experts usually resort to using them when other options fail.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Following are some common side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs:

  • Insomnia: Sleep issues, including difficulty falling asleep or maintaining in through the night.
  • Sexual Dysfunction: Performance issues and decreased sexual desire.
  • Hypertensive Crisis: A life-threatening elevation of blood pressure, especially following the consumption of certain foods rich in tyramine.
  • Weight Gain: Significant weight gain with or without changes in eating patterns

In general, experts recommend strict dietary restrictions along with careful management to steer clear of potential interactions while using MAOIs. Due to this considerable risk, MAOIs are no longer the preferred drug for anxiety management.

While the antianxiety meds side effects explained above are typical, some people may experience rare and severe ones. These serious side effects include the following and require immediate medical care to save lives.

  • Suicidal Behaviors & Thoughts: SSRIs and SNRIs can increase the risk of suicidal ideation in young users. This risk is exceptionally high in the initial treatment phases, due to which mental health professionals often plan a follow-up within one week of starting anxiety pills. [6]
  • Serotonin Syndrome: This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when the serotonin levels in the body are excessively high. The common symptoms of serotonin syndrome include shivering, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, seizures, and muscle rigidity. [7]
  • Liver Damage: Some anxiety medications, particularly those that break down in the liver, may rarely lead to liver toxicity. Some symptoms of liver damage may include abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Abruptly discontinuing certain anxiety pills, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines, may lead to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include nausea, anxiety, agitation, and even seizures in severe cases.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some people may develop allergic reactions to anxiety pills, though their occurrence is infrequent. Some common signs of these allergic reactions include swelling, itching, difficulty breathing, rash, and severe dizziness.
  • Cardiovascular Issues: Some types of anxiety pills, such as MAOIs and TCAs, may lead to serious cardiac side effects, such as arrhythmias, in addition to hypertensive crises.

While anxiety pills side effects are prevalent, managing them is possible. Experts recommend adopting a proactive approach in close collaboration with a healthcare provider. Following are some strategies to consider in this regard:

  • Dose Adjustment: In some cases, upping or lowering the dose may help reduce side effects. Many people experience fewer side effects by lowering their daily dose of anxiety medication without compromising the overall efficacy.
  • Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Having open communication with a mental health professional regularly is essential to help alleviate anxiety pills side effects. Report any new or worsening side effects so that they can take steps to control it in time.
  • Switching Medications: Sometimes, changing a troublesome medication with another one is essential to deal with the side effects.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Besides using anxiety medications, experts recommend following a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep hygiene. These measures can help individuals tackle some side effects of anti anxiety drugs, such as sleep disturbances and weight gain.
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring, involving regular blood tests and blood pressure checking, is essential to ensure that no medication is causing any harm to the body.
  • Gradual Tapering: For people who wish to quit using anti-anxiety medications, opting for a tapering regimen under expert supervision is imperative to avoid discontinuation syndrome.
  • Using Supplements: Certain side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, are manageable with the help of other medications or supplements. However, always seek professional advice before combining an anxiety medication with another supplement.

Individuals using anxiety medications on a long-term basis must keep specific tips in mind due to the possible tolerance, dependency, and chronic side effects associated with these pills. Following are some anxiety medication side effects long-term to consider and how to avoid them:

  • Risk of Dependence: Using certain anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, can increase the risk of physical dependence. Hence, it is crucial to use them only as prescribed and switch to alternative pills as soon as possible.
  • Impact on Life Quality: While anxiety medications can significantly improve the quality of life by managing symptoms, their long-term use can lead to newer challenges, such as facing stigma or developing side effects.
  • Tolerance: Over time, some people using anxiety pills may become tolerant, meaning they may not benefit from them the same way they used to. To achieve a similar therapeutic effect, they may need higher doses of anxiety pills, which increases the risk of dependence and side effects.

Individuals on long-term anxiety medication must never forget to schedule regular reassessments with a healthcare provider to check if they need to continue it or if alternative measures are more appropriate.

Anxiety medications play a crucial role in managing anxiety disorders and relieving debilitating symptoms to improve overall quality of life. However, these medications can also lead to potential side effects, ranging from mild to severe, which must be managed carefully to avoid long-term damage. Maintaining an open communication link with a mental health professional, undergoing regular assessments, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce anxiety pills side effects.

[1] Javaid SF, Hashim IJ, Hashim MJ, Stip E, Samad MA, Ahbabi AA. Epidemiology of anxiety disorders: global burden and sociodemographic associations. Middle East Current Psychiatry. 2023 May 26;30(1):44.

[2] Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D. Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience. 2017 Jun 30;19(2):93-107.

[3] Cuijpers P, Sijbrandij M, Koole SL, Andersson G, Beekman AT, Reynolds III CF. Adding psychotherapy to antidepressant medication in depression and anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis. Focus. 2014 Jul;12(3):347-58.

[4] Fanelli D, Weller G, Liu H. New serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and their anesthetic and analgesic considerations. Neurology International. 2021 Oct 1;13(4):497-509.

[5] Szeleszczuk Ł, Frączkowski D. Propranolol versus other selected drugs in the treatment of various types of anxiety or stress, with particular reference to stage fright and post-traumatic stress disorder. International journal of molecular sciences. 2022 S

[6] Lagerberg T, Fazel S, Sjölander A, Hellner C, Lichtenstein P, Chang Z. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and suicidal behavior: a population-based cohort study. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2022 Mar;47(4):817-23.

[7] Scotton WJ, Hill LJ, Williams AC, Barnes NM. Serotonin syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical features, management, and potential future directions. International Journal of Tryptophan Research. 2019 Sep;12:1178646919873925.

FAQs

Is it bad to take anxiety medication?
While anxiety medications are generally helpful in controlling symptoms, they may cause side effects. For instance, benzodiazepines may lead to dependence, addiction, and severe withdrawal when discontinued. However, careful use of anxiety medications and regular assessments and monitoring can reduce these side effects, making their use safer.
How long will it take for anxiety pills to work?
The onset of effects can vary depending on the type of anxiety medication a person uses. SSRIs and SNRIs usually take four to six weeks to cause noticeable benefits. Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, can work much more quickly, leading to relief within hours.
Can I stop taking my anxiety medications when I wish to?
Stopping anxiety medications abruptly can lead to discontinuation syndrome, causing symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, and even seizures. Hence, doing so under expert supervision while following a proper tapering regimen is imperative.
Can anti-anxiety pills interact with other drugs?
Anxiety medications can easily interact with many other drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription pills. Some of these anxiety pills can also interact with certain food items. Hence, informing the doctor about all supplements and medications currently in use is essential.
How can I choose the most suitable anxiety medication for me with the most minor side effects?
Choosing an appropriate anti-anxiety medication involves careful consultations with a mental health professional. These professionals are trained to conduct in-depth assessments and suggest an anti-anxiety medication based on a person’s overall health, the nature and severity of anxiety, and any other medicines being used simultaneously.

The Article

+

About This Article

+

Do you need help?

Sister Topics

Carisoprodol Clonidine Withdrawal Dramamine Gas Station Heroin How Long do Drugs Stay in the System Prescription Drug Addiction Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Robotripping Scopolamine Abuse Side Effects of Hydroxycut Wellbutrin for Anxiety What are Prescription Drugs What is Clonidine What is Prescription Drug Addiction