Examples of Anxiolytic Medications
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the primary examples of anxiolytic medications, including fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram 1.
Primary Anxiolytic Drug Classes
SSRIs (First-Line Anxiolytics)
The SSRI class represents the most evidence-based anxiolytic medications for treating anxiety disorders in both children/adolescents and adults. These medications work by inhibiting presynaptic serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin availability at synaptic clefts 1.
Specific SSRI examples include:
- Fluoxetine
- Sertraline
- Fluvoxamine
- Paroxetine
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
- Vilazodone 1
These medications demonstrate moderate strength of evidence for improving anxiety symptoms, global function, treatment response, and disorder remission 1.
SNRIs (Alternative Anxiolytics)
The SNRI class provides another anxiolytic option by inhibiting reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin 1.
SNRI examples include:
- Venlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine
- Duloxetine (the only SNRI with FDA approval for generalized anxiety disorder in children/adolescents aged 7+ years)
- Levomilnacipran 1
Benzodiazepines (Traditional Anxiolytics)
While not emphasized in the guidelines for chronic anxiety treatment, benzodiazepines remain classic anxiolytic examples 2, 3:
Common benzodiazepine anxiolytics:
- Alprazolam (particularly effective for panic disorders)
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Clonazepam
- Bromazepam
- Oxazepam
- Clobazam 2, 4
Important caveat: Benzodiazepines carry significant risks including physical dependence, withdrawal syndromes affecting approximately one-third of long-term users, and potential for abuse 3. They are most appropriate for acute anxiety reduction or intermittent therapy rather than first-line chronic treatment 4.
Other Anxiolytic Examples
Buspirone - An azapirone class anxiolytic that acts as a partial serotonin agonist with low abuse potential, no sedation, and no significant withdrawal symptoms 5, 4. Particularly appropriate for chronic anxiety and mixed anxiety/depression states.
Anticonvulsants with anxiolytic properties:
- Pregabalin
- Gabapentin 2
Beta-blockers (limited use) - Have adjunctive utility specifically for performance anxiety and social phobias 4.
Clinical Context
The 2020 AACAP guidelines establish SSRIs as the medication class that should be considered among first-line treatments for patients 6-18 years old with social anxiety, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and panic disorders 1. Despite substantial empirical support, notably no specific SSRIs currently have FDA approval specifically for anxiety indications in this population 1.
A 2025 network meta-analysis of 100 trials involving 28,637 adults found clomipramine had the highest anxiolytic efficacy, though it also led to the most study discontinuations, while clobazam had the lowest discontinuation rate 6.