Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors People should consult their doctor or physician before they start reducing or stopping their medication. These drugs are not habit-forming, meaning that they do not usually lead to dependence. People usually take SSRIs for up to 12 months to treat anxiety, then gradually reduce the dosage. These medications typically begin to take effect within 2 to 6 weeks, but they do not work for everyone. SSRIs work by stopping nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which is a chemical that plays a vital role in mood regulation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorsĪlthough selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant, doctors commonly prescribe them to people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Īccording to one article, doctors consider SSRIs to be the first-line drug treatment for anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the four major classes of drugs for anxiety disorders are as follows: 1.
Several types of medication can treat the symptoms of anxiety. Share on Pinterest Isabel Pavia/Getty Images
