What Is an Anxiolytic (Anxiety Medication)?
An anxiolytic, also called an anxiety medication, acts on the brain to reduce symptoms such as muscle tension, heart palpitations, agitation, or intrusive thoughts. These medications help calm the nervous system by increasing the effect of a chemical messenger called GABA, which reduces excessive brain activity.
Commonly Prescribed Anxiety Medications
In Québec, the medications most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety fall into two main categories:
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, clonazepam), which act quickly to ease acute symptoms but are generally used short-term due to the risk of drowsiness or dependence.
- SSRI or SNRI antidepressants (e.g., sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine), used longer-term to stabilize generalized anxiety.
In some cases, other medications may be used to relieve the physical symptoms related to anxiety, such as tremors or palpitations.
What Is the Best Anxiety Medication?
There is no single “best medication” for everyone. Effectiveness depends on several factors:
- the type of anxiety (generalized, social, panic, etc.)
- your age
- your overall health
- your tolerance to side effects
The most effective treatment for stress and anxiety is the one that works for you, the one that eases symptoms without causing bothersome side effects and that fits your day-to-day life.
How Long Does It Take for Anxiety Medication to Work?
Patience is often required when starting an anxiety treatment. The time it takes to work varies depending on the type of medication prescribed and your individual response.
Fast-acting anxiolytics (benzodiazepines)
Anxiolytics such as lorazepam or diazepam act quickly. Their effect is generally felt within 30 to 60 minutes, making them effective for calming an anxiety attack or panic episode. However, their effect is temporary, lasting a few hours to a day and they do not treat the underlying cause of anxiety. This is why they are usually used for short periods.
Antidepressants used for anxiety
SSRI or SNRI antidepressants (such as sertraline or venlafaxine) take longer to work. It generally takes 2 to 6 weeks before noticing significant improvement, and sometimes up to 8 weeks for full effect. During this period, some people may even notice a slight temporary increase in anxiety before the treatment begins stabilizing symptoms, a known transitional effect.
The Importance of Follow-Up
Each person reacts differently. If you do not feel improvement after a few weeks, do not stop your treatment without medical advice. Your pharmacist is there to help evaluate whether the dose should be adjusted, whether another medication may be more appropriate, or whether non-pharmacological support (such as therapy) might be beneficial as a complement.
Anxiety Medication Dosage: How to Find the Right Dose?
Finding the right dose of an anxiety medication is often a matter of balance and gradual adjustment. Each person reacts differently: a dose that is effective for one person may be too strong or too weak for another.
Gradual and personalized adjustment
At the beginning of treatment, the doctor or pharmacist often recommends a low dose, which is increased slowly if needed.
This approach allows you to:
- better observe how your body tolerates the medication
- reduce the risk of side effects
- identify the minimum effective dose, the one that relieves symptoms without causing discomfort
Timelines to consider
For fast-acting anxiolytics (such as benzodiazepines), the dose can be adjusted more quickly depending on your response. In contrast, for antidepressants used to treat anxiety, you often need to wait 2 to 4 weeks to know whether the current dose is sufficient.
What Are the Side Effects of Anxiety Medications?
As with all medications, anxiolytics and antidepressants can cause certain side effects. They vary depending on the product, the dose, and the length of treatment.
Possible Side Effects of Anxiolytics (Benzodiazepines)
- Drowsiness or feeling tired
- Memory or concentration problems
- Dizziness
- Slowed reflexes
- Risk of dependence or tolerance with prolonged use
Possible Side Effects of Antidepressants Prescribed for Anxiety
- Nausea, headaches, or digestive issues at the beginning of treatment
- Mild tremors or agitation
- Decreased libido
- Drowsiness or, on the contrary, insomnia depending on the medication
These effects are often temporary and diminish over time. If any symptoms persist or affect your quality of life, your pharmacist is there to help adjust the dose or discuss alternatives with your doctor.
Interactions and Precautions
Here are some tips for using anxiety medication safely:
Avoid:
- Alcohol consumption: it increases drowsiness and may raise the risk of accidents.
- Driving or operating heavy machinery after taking an anxiolytic.
- Stopping a medication abruptly without medical supervision.
Monitor:
- Interactions with other medications (sleep aids, pain relievers, antihistamines, etc.)
- Signs of dependence (need to increase the dose, difficulty stopping the treatment)
Your pharmacist ensures your treatment is safe and effective by checking for possible interactions and advising you on the ideal time to take it.
Withdrawal: How to Stop Anxiety Medication?
Stopping an anxiolytic or antidepressant must always be done gradually, under medical supervision. Stopping too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- irritability
- sleep disturbances
- anxiety or agitation
For benzodiazepines, the risk of withdrawal is higher, especially after prolonged use. Your pharmacist will support you in creating a gradual dose-reduction plan to minimize withdrawal effects.
What Is the Pharmacist’s Role in Anxiety Medication Follow-Up?
In Québec, pharmacists play an essential role in supporting people living with anxiety.
They can:
- Explain how your medication works and how long it takes to feel the benefits,
- Help you manage side effects and suggest adjustments if needed,
- Monitor interactions with other treatments,
- Support gradual withdrawal with a personalized plan,
- Offer support and advice to help you manage symptoms day to day,
- Extend or adjust an existing treatment when appropriate.
Need Personalized Advice?
Do you have questions about your treatment, side effects, or withdrawal? Make an appointment with your Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacist. They can offer confidential and personalized support.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and Accès pharma at Walmart affiliated pharmacist-owners cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.
