Top 6 Medications to Manage Anxiety Effectively

Anxiety disorders manifest as persistent and overwhelming feelings of unease about daily activities or specific events. This condition often involves panic episodes characterized by sudden bursts of intense fear or terror that peak within minutes, disrupting normal life. Symptoms include extreme nervousness, agitation, rapid breathing, trembling, and a sense of impending disaster. Types such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety fall under this category. Besides therapy and lifestyle adjustments, medication options play a crucial role in alleviating anxiety symptoms.

Buspirone (Buspar) — An affordable anti-anxiety drug, Buspirone is less commonly used compared to other options. The standard formulation of Buspirone or Buspar can be purchased through GoodRx Gold at a significant discount of up to 77%, costing around $4.55 for 60 tablets of 10mg. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding the appropriate dosage before use, as prices may vary.

Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) — This benzodiazepine is prescribed to manage panic attacks and anxiety. Available in various forms, including tablets and orally disintegrating tablets, Alprazolam ER offers convenience. A GoodRx Gold membership provides savings up to 86%, with 30 tablets of 1 mg costing approximately $7.13.

Diazepam (Valium) — Also a benzodiazepine, Diazepam is used to reduce anxiety, relax muscles, assist with alcohol withdrawal, and control certain seizure types. It is available in generic and branded versions, with prices dropping as low as $2.62 for 30 tablets of 5mg through GoodRx Gold , saving up to 83%.

Phenelzine (Nardil) — An MAOI medication, Phenelzine is typically reserved for treatment-resistant depression with comorbid anxiety. With GoodRx Gold , patients can enjoy discounts up to 26%, paying as little as $29.45 for 120 tablets of 15mg, depending on the pack size.

Fluoxetine (Prozac) — Used to treat OCD, eating disorders, panic attacks, and anxiety symptoms, Fluoxetine comes in brand and generic forms, available as tablets, capsules, or liquids. With a GoodRx Gold membership, it can be purchased for as low as $2.85 for 30 capsules of 20mg, enabling discounts up to 89%.

Lorazepam (Ativan) — A popular benzodiazepine, Lorazepam effectively relaxes the body and alleviates anxiety symptoms. Available in both brand and generic options, it costs around $3 for 30 tablets of 1mg with discounts up to 80% through GoodRx Gold . Prices may differ across pharmacies depending on dosage and quantity.