Anti-Anxiety Medication: The Two Types, the Time Limit and How to Stop
Written by Dr. Srishti Rastogi
Dr. Srishti Rastogi is a medical writer and healthcare professional dedicated to high-quality patient education and public health awareness. Leveraging her clinical background, she produces deeply researched, evidence-based content for digital health platforms and medical publications. Dr. Srishti’s unique dual perspective as a clinician and communicator allows her to craft content that builds trust and credibility with readers navigating sensitive health topics.
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September 18, 2026
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Quick Read
Medicines used for anxiety do different jobs. Benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam and alprazolam, can provide quick relief but are generally used for a short time because they can cause dependence. Antidepressants such as SSRIs treat anxiety over the longer term and usually take several weeks to work. Therapy may be used instead of medicine or alongside it. Never stop an anxiety medicine suddenly without speaking to your doctor.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available right now. You are not alone, and things can get better with the right support.
If you have been prescribed a tablet for anxiety, you may not know whether it is meant to work quickly or be taken regularly for several months. That difference affects how soon it works, how long you take it and how it should be stopped.
This guide explains the main types of anxiety medication, their risks and the questions to ask your doctor.
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What is your biggest concern about anxiety medication?
What Are the Main Types of Anti-Anxiety Medication?
Medicines used for anxiety can be grouped by the job they do.
| Type | Examples | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-acting benzodiazepines | Clonazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam | May calm severe anxiety quickly; usually prescribed for short-term or limited use |
| Antidepressants used for anxiety | SSRIs and SNRIs | Taken regularly; may need several weeks to show clear benefit |
| Other prescribed medicines | Pregabalin, buspirone and hydroxyzine | May be considered depending on the condition, other medicines and possible side effects |
Being prescribed an antidepressant for anxiety does not mean your doctor thinks you have depression. SSRIs and SNRIs are also established treatments for anxiety disorders [1][2].
Ask your doctor for the generic name of your medicine, why it was chosen and whether it is for short-term relief or longer-term treatment.
Which Medicines Are Used for Generalised Anxiety Disorder?
For generalised anxiety disorder, Indian and NICE guidelines include SSRIs among the main medicine options [1][2]. SNRIs and other medicines may be considered if the first treatment does not help or causes difficult side effects.
These medicines do not provide immediate relief. Some people notice early changes in sleep or physical tension, but a clearer improvement in anxiety usually takes several weeks.
Anxiety can sometimes feel worse when an antidepressant is first started. Your doctor may begin with a lower dose and review you during the early weeks.
Do You Have to Take Medicine for Anxiety?
No. Medicine is one treatment option, not the only one.
Depending on the type and severity of anxiety, treatment may include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT
- Guided self-help
- Relaxation and grounding skills
- Changes to sleep, caffeine or alcohol use
- Medicine
- A combination of therapy and medicine
Therapy can help you understand the patterns that keep anxiety going and practise ways to respond differently. If counselling feels unfamiliar, read what to expect in therapy.
Discuss what is practical for you, including cost, access, symptoms and personal preference.
Why Are Benzodiazepines Usually Prescribed for a Short Time?
Benzodiazepines act quickly, but your body can become used to them.
Physical dependence can develop even when the medicine is taken exactly as prescribed. This means stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. The risk generally rises with higher doses, regular use and longer treatment.
NICE advises against routinely using benzodiazepines for generalised anxiety except as a short-term measure during a crisis [2]. They are also not recommended for the long-term treatment of panic disorder.
If you have been taking one for weeks or months, do not panic or blame yourself. Arrange a medicine review and ask whether it is still needed.
Is Dependence the Same as Addiction?
No.
Physical dependence means your body has adjusted to a medicine. You may develop withdrawal symptoms if the dose is reduced too quickly.
Addiction involves cravings, loss of control and continuing to use something despite harm.
Benzodiazepines can cause dependence, and some people may also develop addiction or misuse them [3]. Dependence can occur without addiction.
Your doctor should discuss these risks without judging you.
The first step is to understand which anxiety medicine you are taking. Fast-acting medicines may help during a short period of severe anxiety, but they are not usually the long-term solution. Medicines such as SSRIs work more slowly and need regular use. Never increase, reduce or stop an anxiety medicine without discussing it with your doctor.
What Side Effects Can Anxiety Medicines Cause?
Side effects depend on the medicine.
Benzodiazepines may cause:
- Drowsiness
- Slower reactions
- Poor concentration or memory
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- Increased risk of falls, especially in older adults
Antidepressants used for anxiety may cause:
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Headache
- Sleep changes
- Restlessness during the early weeks
- Sexual difficulties
Tell your doctor if a side effect affects driving, work, studies, sex or daily functioning. Do not quietly increase, reduce or skip doses.
Which Combinations Can Be Dangerous?
Benzodiazepines can cause dangerous sedation when combined with alcohol, opioid painkillers or other medicines that make you sleepy. In severe cases, breathing can slow down [3].
Before taking a new medicine, tell the doctor or pharmacist about:
- All prescription medicines
- Sleeping tablets
- Strong painkillers
- Cough medicines that cause drowsiness
- Alcohol or other substance use
- Herbal products and supplements
Avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you.
If alcohol is becoming difficult to control, read about alcohol and substance use.
How Do You Stop Anti-Anxiety Medication Safely?
The safest plan depends on the medicine.
Benzodiazepines are usually reduced gradually. There is no single tapering schedule that suits everyone. The dose, length of use, previous withdrawal symptoms and physical health all affect the plan [3].
Stopping suddenly may cause:
- Increased anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Shaking or sweating
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Seizures in severe cases
Antidepressants should also be reduced gradually because stopping suddenly can cause dizziness, flu-like feelings, sleep changes or anxiety.
Tell your doctor if you want to stop. Asking for a reduction plan is a normal part of treatment. Learn more about stopping psychiatric medicines safely.
How Long Do You Take Anxiety Medication?
The duration depends on the medicine and condition.
Benzodiazepines are generally intended for short-term or occasional use unless a specialist identifies a clear reason for longer treatment.
Antidepressants may be continued for several months after you improve to reduce the risk of symptoms returning. Indian guidance recommends continuing effective treatment for at least six to eight months in many cases, while NICE advises continuing for at least six months after an effective dose is reached [1][2].
Do not use another person’s timeline to decide when you should stop.
Can You Buy Anxiety Medication Without a Prescription in India?
Medicines used to treat anxiety are prescription medicines in India. Some benzodiazepines are subject to stricter controls because they can cause dependence or be misused [5].
Do not buy them from a website, chemist or another person without a valid prescription. Even if you have taken the same medicine before, your current symptoms and other medicines need to be considered.
Keep a photograph of your prescription and note how often you actually take the medicine. This helps your doctor review it accurately.
What Should You Ask Your Doctor?
Ask:
- What is the generic name of this medicine?
- Is it for quick relief or longer-term treatment?
- Should I take it daily or only when instructed?
- When should I expect it to work?
- How long may I need it?
- Can it cause dependence?
- What should I avoid while taking it
If you are unsure which anxiety medicine you have been prescribed, how long to take it or how to stop it safely, you can book a confidential consultation with a qualified doctor at Allo Health. They can review your symptoms, current medicines and concerns, and help you understand the options that may suit you.
Disclaimer
This blog article discusses mental health and emotional wellbeing for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and only a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist, can diagnose a condition or recommend treatment. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional or someone you trust; if you are in crisis or may be at risk of harming yourself, use the crisis support resources on this page. For any decisions about your mental health, we encourage you to seek the guidance of a qualified professional.
Most Asked Questions
How long does an anti-anxiety tablet take to work?
It depends which group you have. A benzodiazepine acts within about an hour. An antidepressant builds up over weeks, and Indian guidance says treatment is usually continued for at least six to eight months to prevent relapse [1]. NICE puts it as at least six months after the right dose is reached [2].
My doctor gave me an antidepressant for anxiety. Is that right?
Yes. Both Indian and UK guidance put SSRIs and SNRIs at first line for generalised anxiety [1] [2]. The medicine is treating the anxiety, not a diagnosis of depression you were not told about.
Can I take it only on the days I feel anxious?
Ask your doctor. Whether a medicine is taken daily or only when needed is part of the prescription, not something to decide yourself, and the answer is different for the two groups.
Are these medicines addictive?
The fast-acting group can be. The regulator states that use can lead to misuse, abuse and addiction even at recommended doses [3]. The antidepressants used for anxiety are not addictive in that sense, although they too are reduced gradually rather than stopped in one step.
Can I drink alcohol while taking one?
Raise it with your doctor rather than assuming. Alcohol pushes in the same direction as the fast-acting group, and the regulator's warning about combining these medicines with others is the reason this is worth a direct question [3].
Sources
- 1.
Gautam S, Jain A, Gautam M, Vahia VN, Gautam A. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1)–S73.
- 2.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults: Management (CG113).
- 3.
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Requiring Boxed Warning Updated to Improve Safe Use of Benzodiazepine Drug Class. 2020.
- 4.
Grover S, Avasthi A, Sinha V, et al. Correlates of Prescription Patterns of Psychotropics in India. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2016;58(4):417–424.
- 5.
Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Schedule H1 Regulation.
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Why Should You Trust Us?
This article was written by Dr. Srishti Rastogi, who has more than 1 years of experience in the healthcare industry.
Allo has the expertise of over 50+ doctors who have treated more than 1.5 lakh patients both online and offline across 30+ clinics.
Our mission is to provide reliable, accurate, and practical health information to help you make informed decisions.
For This Article
- This article was medically reviewed by a qualified psychiatrist to check that the information about anxiety medicines, side effects, dependence and withdrawal is clinically accurate.
- The guidance is based on trusted sources, including the Indian Psychiatric Society, NICE, the US Food and Drug Administration and Indian prescription medicine regulations.
- The article clearly separates fast-acting medicines such as benzodiazepines from longer-term treatments such as SSRIs and SNRIs. This helps readers understand that not every “anxiety tablet” works in the same way.
- No particular brand or medicine is promoted. The article does not recommend personal doses or a fixed tapering schedule because the safest treatment plan depends on the medicine, dose, duration of use and individual health history.