A Simple Guide to Medication Options for Anxiety and Depression

Understanding the Different Classes and How They Can Help

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions — and they often show up together. When symptoms become overwhelming or persistent, medications can be an important part of a treatment plan. But with so many types of medications available, it’s easy to feel confused or unsure about what’s right for you.

This post offers a simple overview of the main classes of medications used to treat anxiety and depression — and some things we consider when making treatment decisions.

Why Consider Medication?

Everyone’s mental health journey is different. For some, therapy alone works well. For others, symptoms may feel too intense to even begin therapy without additional support. Medication can help ease symptoms like:

• Constant worry or racing thoughts

• Lack of energy or motivation

• Panic attacks or insomnia

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Difficulty focusing or functioning

When prescribed thoughtfully and monitored carefully, medications can help restore balance, making it easier to heal and move forward.

The Main Classes of Medications

1. SSRIs – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

What they do: Help increase serotonin levels in the brain, which supports mood regulation.
Used for: Both anxiety and depression
Common benefits: Generally well tolerated, often first-line treatment
Considerations: May take several weeks to feel full effect; some people experience mild side effects like stomach upset or sleep changes in the beginning.

2. SNRIs – Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

What they do: Boost both serotonin and norepinephrine, another brain chemical that helps with mood and energy
Used for: Depression, anxiety, sometimes chronic pain
Common benefits: Can help improve both emotional and physical symptoms
Considerations: Sometimes prescribed when SSRIs aren’t effective or if physical symptoms (like fatigue or pain) are also present.

3. Atypical Antidepressants

What they do: Work differently than SSRIs or SNRIs — each medication in this category has a unique action.
Used for: Often used when someone hasn’t responded well to first-line treatments
Common benefits: May cause fewer sexual side effects or help with energy
Considerations: These may be better suited to certain symptom patterns, such as fatigue or low motivation.

4. Benzodiazepines (Short-Term Use Only)

What they do: Work quickly to calm the nervous system
Used for: Short-term relief of severe anxiety or panic
Common benefits: Fast-acting, calming
Considerations: Not a long-term solution due to risk of dependence or tolerance. Often used temporarily while other medications take effect or for very specific situations (like panic attacks or before a stressful event).

5. Other Add-On or Adjunctive Medications

Sometimes we use add-on medications to boost the effect of an antidepressant, especially if symptoms aren’t fully relieved. These can include mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety agents, or medications used off-label based on evidence.

How We Choose the Right One

There is no “best” medication — there’s only what’s best for you. When deciding what to prescribe, we consider:

• Your specific symptoms (e.g., more anxiety vs. more low mood)

• Side effect profile and how your body typically responds

• Other medical conditions or medications you're taking

• Any history of medication success (in you or close family members)

• Whether talk therapy is also being used

• Personal preferences around side effects, sleep, weight, etc.

Medication + Support = Better Outcomes

Medication is a tool — not a cure-all. It works best when combined with therapy, healthy routines, and a supportive provider relationship.

At Inner Peace Mental Health & Counseling, we take a thoughtful, collaborative approach to prescribing. We’ll talk through the options, listen to your concerns, and find a plan that works for your needs and your life.

Ready to Talk About Options?

If you’re curious about whether medication could help with your anxiety or depression, we’re here to answer your questions — without pressure or judgment.