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The Top 10 Medications for Anxiety and Depression: What You Need to Know

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions today — and they often occur together. When they do, finding effective treatment can feel complicated. While psychotherapy and lifestyle changes play a central role, medication can be a life-changing part of recovery when prescribed and monitored properly.

Illustrated woman with closed eyes, leaning on hand, illustrating anxiety and depression
Illustrated woman with closed eyes, leaning on hand, illustrating anxiety and depression

At Favor Mental Health, our experienced mental health providers in Bel Air, Maryland, take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to care. We help our patients understand which medications work best for their specific symptoms, how to manage side effects, and how medication fits into their larger mental-wellness journey.

Below, we break down the top 10 most commonly prescribed and effective medications for anxiety and depression, along with what makes each one unique.


1. Sertraline (Zoloft)

Class: SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)

Best for: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Social Anxiety

Zoloft is one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressants — and for good reason. It’s well-tolerated, effective for both anxiety and depression, and backed by decades of research. It’s often the first medication many clinicians consider for patients managing both mood and anxiety symptoms.Potential side effects: mild gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, or sexual side effects early in treatment.

2. Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Class: SSRI

Best for: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression

Lexapro is known for its clean side-effect profile and its ability to calm both anxious and depressive symptoms. Many patients find it easier to tolerate than older antidepressants.Potential side effects: mild fatigue, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction.

3. Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Class: SSRI

Best for: Depression, Panic Disorder, OCD

Prozac tends to be energizing, making it a good option for patients who feel slowed down or fatigued by depression. Its long half-life means missed doses are less problematic.Potential side effects: restlessness, insomnia, or jitteriness at first.

4. Paroxetine (Paxil)

Class: SSRI

Best for: Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Depression

Paxil has strong anti-anxiety properties and can be helpful for patients who experience intense worry or panic. It’s also mildly sedating, which may help with nighttime anxiety.Potential side effects: weight gain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

5. Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Class: SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor)

Best for: Depression with physical pain, Generalized Anxiety

Cymbalta targets both serotonin and norepinephrine, improving mood and reducing body pain that often accompanies depression or anxiety.Potential side effects: nausea, increased blood pressure, sweating.

6. Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

Class: SNRI

Best for: Severe Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Depression

Effexor XR can be particularly effective when first-line SSRIs are not enough. It’s powerful, but requires close monitoring to avoid withdrawal symptoms.Potential side effects: elevated blood pressure, headache, or discontinuation symptoms if missed doses occur.

7. Citalopram (Celexa)

Class: SSRI

Best for: Depression, Anxiety, First-time treatment users

Celexa is often prescribed for people sensitive to side effects. It’s gentle and well-tolerated, though higher doses must be monitored for heart rhythm changes.Potential side effects: fatigue, dry mouth, or mild nausea.

8. Trazodone

Class: Serotonin Modulator / Antidepressant

Best for: Depression with Insomnia

Originally an antidepressant, Trazodone is now often used for anxiety or depression accompanied by sleep problems. It promotes deep, restful sleep and can be taken safely alongside other antidepressants.Potential side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

9. Buspirone (Buspar)

Class: Non-Benzodiazepine Anxiolytic

Best for: Generalized Anxiety

Buspar is not addictive, not sedating, and helps ease chronic worry and tension. It’s often used in combination with antidepressants for patients who have both anxiety and depressive symptoms.Potential side effects: mild dizziness or nausea during early use.

10. Hydroxyzine

Class: Antihistamine with Anti-Anxiety Properties

Best for: Acute Anxiety Episodes, Insomnia

Hydroxyzine provides fast relief for panic, anxiety, or trouble sleeping — without the risk of addiction seen in benzodiazepines. It’s often used short-term or as a bridge while waiting for antidepressants to take effect.Potential side effects: sedation, dry mouth.

The Favor Mental Health Approach: Personalized, Compassionate, and Evidence-Based

Choosing the right medication is not a one-size-fits-all process. At Favor Mental Health, our clinicians consider:

  • Your specific diagnosis and symptoms

  • Your past treatment response

  • Your lifestyle, sleep, and medical history

  • Potential side effects or drug interactions

We also combine medication management with psychotherapy, lifestyle support, and mindfulness-based strategies to help patients achieve lasting improvement — not just symptom relief.

When to Seek Help

If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression and finding it hard to cope, don’t wait. The right treatment plan can restore clarity, calm, and purpose.

At Favor Mental Health, our certified mental health providers in Bel Air, Maryland, offer:

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations

  • Individualized treatment planning

  • Psychotherapy and counseling

  • Medication management and ongoing monitoring

Your mental health deserves expert care. You’re not alone — and with the right support, healing is absolutely possible.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Let’s find a treatment plan that works for you. Located in Bel Air, MD | 17+ years of healthcare experience. Book an appointment with Favor Mental Health


 
 
 
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