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Finding the Right Anxiety Medication: A Practical Guide
- Dr Titilayo Akinsola
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. But when anxiety starts dictating your thoughts, disrupting your sleep, or stealing your focus, it’s time to look beyond self-help strategies.
For many Maryland residents, medication can be a powerful part of recovery—especially when combined with therapy and lifestyle support.
At Favor Mental Health, we believe anxiety medication should be prescribed with precision and partnership, not guesswork. With over 17 years in mental healthcare, our providers specialize in tailoring treatment plans that align with your biology, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.
Because anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither is its treatment.
Understanding Anxiety: More Than Just Worry
Anxiety is the body’s survival system in overdrive.When it becomes chronic, your brain’s alarm system—particularly the amygdala—stays activated even when no real danger exists.
Common anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Constant worry about everyday situations
Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense fear episodes with heart palpitations and shortness of breath
Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive thoughts or rituals driven by anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety tied to past trauma
Each type requires a slightly different pharmacological approach.
How Anxiety Medications Work
Anxiety medications target neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that regulate mood, arousal, and fear response.
Medication Class | Main Neurotransmitters Affected | Typical Use Case |
SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac) | Serotonin | Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety |
SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor) | Serotonin + Norepinephrine | GAD with fatigue or pain |
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin) | GABA | Short-term relief for acute panic or severe anxiety |
Buspirone (Buspar) | Serotonin (partial agonist) | Mild-to-moderate chronic anxiety |
Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol) | Adrenaline | Performance or situational anxiety |
Hydroxyzine | Histamine + Serotonin | Temporary relief without dependence risk |
Each class has unique benefits—and potential drawbacks. That’s why personalized medication management is crucial.
SSRIs and SNRIs: The First-Line Treatments
Most anxiety disorders respond well to SSRIs and SNRIs, which calm the nervous system by increasing serotonin (and sometimes norepinephrine) availability in the brain.
Benefits:
Non-addictive
Improve sleep, mood, and focus
Often treat coexisting depression
Considerations:
Can take 4–6 weeks to reach full effect
May initially cause mild restlessness or sleep disruption
Should not be stopped abruptly—require professional tapering
At Favor Mental Health, we typically start with low doses and monitor progress closely during the adjustment period.
Benzodiazepines: Effective but Carefully Managed
Benzodiazepines—like alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), or clonazepam (Klonopin)—work quickly by enhancing GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.
Pros:
Rapid relief (within 30–60 minutes)
Ideal for acute panic or flight anxiety
Cons:
Risk of dependence or tolerance if used long-term
Sedation or cognitive fog for some users
For Maryland patients with high-stress professions (e.g., healthcare, education, law), our clinicians sometimes use benzodiazepines short-term or situationally—always with structured monitoring and follow-up.
Buspirone: The Gentle Stabilizer
Buspirone (Buspar) is an underused gem. It’s non-sedating, non-habit-forming, and specifically targets chronic worry.
It’s most effective for:
Long-term management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Patients who can’t tolerate SSRIs
Situations where mild daily anxiety undermines focus
Buspirone takes several weeks to work but has one major advantage—it does not cause withdrawal or dependence, making it safe for extended use.
Beta-Blockers and Hydroxyzine: Targeted, Short-Term Tools
Beta-blockers (like propranolol) help control the physical symptoms of anxiety—racing heart, tremors, sweating. They’re perfect for performance anxiety (public speaking, interviews).
Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, offers short-term calming without dependence. It’s sometimes prescribed as a bridge while waiting for SSRIs to take effect.
Both are valuable options for patients who want non-addictive, as-needed relief.
Medication Isn’t the Whole Story
Anxiety medication addresses the biological component—but sustainable relief comes from combining medication with psychotherapy and behavioral change.
Favor Mental Health’s integrated model includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Retrains anxiety-producing thought patterns
Mindfulness and grounding strategies: Reduces reactivity to stress triggers
Lifestyle optimization: Sleep, nutrition, and movement are essential nervous system regulators
Medication follow-up sessions: To fine-tune dosing and evaluate progress holistically
Medication opens the door—therapy helps you walk through it.
What to Expect When Starting Anxiety Medication
Most Maryland patients experience improvement in 4–8 weeks, but the timeline varies.
Early Phase (Week 1–3)
Possible mild restlessness, stomach upset, or sleep changes
Small improvements in energy and clarity
Mid Phase (Week 4–6)
Noticeable decrease in physical anxiety
Calmer emotional reactivity
Long Term (2+ months)
Sustained mood stability
Increased ability to focus, engage socially, and enjoy life again
It’s important to communicate any changes to your provider—we adjust dosage, timing, or medication class based on your feedback.
Common Myths About Anxiety Medication
Myth | Fact |
“Anxiety meds are addictive.” | SSRIs, SNRIs, and Buspirone are not addictive. Only certain benzodiazepines carry dependence risk with long-term use. |
“I’ll have to take them forever.” | Many patients successfully taper off after symptom stabilization, under supervision. |
“Medication means I’m weak.” | Seeking help is a sign of insight and self-awareness, not weakness. |
“I should feel better in a few days.” | True healing takes time. Most anxiety medications work gradually to reset the brain’s stress response. |
Knowledge dissolves stigma—and informed patients recover faster.
How Favor Mental Health Supports Anxiety Treatment in Maryland
At Favor Mental Health, medication management is never rushed.We provide comprehensive, confidential support across:
Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Annapolis, both in-person and via HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
Our services include:
Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis
Personalized anxiety medication management
Ongoing therapy integration
Regular follow-ups and progress monitoring
Coordination with primary care for holistic care continuity
Every Marylander deserves mental clarity and calm—and we help you achieve both safely.
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. With the right guidance and treatment plan, peace of mind is possible.
Schedule your comprehensive anxiety evaluation today with Favor Mental Health. Let’s find the medication—and approach—that truly fits you.
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