Educational reference
Treatment overview
Anxiolytics are medicines used specifically to reduce anxiety. The category includes several distinct groups that behave very differently, which is why general statements about them are of limited use.
One group, the benzodiazepines, works quickly and is effective in the short term. Tolerance and dependence can develop with regular use, and stopping after prolonged use requires a planned reduction. For those reasons current guidance generally restricts them to short periods or specific situations rather than ongoing treatment of anxiety.
Other medicines used for anxiety, including certain antidepressants, work over weeks rather than immediately but are suitable for longer-term use. For persistent anxiety these are usually preferred.
Psychological therapy is recommended alongside or instead of medication for most anxiety conditions, and is not a lesser option.
MOMD does not recommend any particular medicine and does not advise starting, stopping or changing treatment.