Key Points

  • Anti-anxiety medications can be difficult to identify.
  • We've provided a high-level list of anti-anxiety medication names and identifiers.
  • If you have found what you suspect is a controlled substance anti-anxiety pill, it's critical to call a licensed pharmacist to identify them,rather than relying on identification marks alone.

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people, often making everyday life feel overwhelming. Fortunately, medication can play an important role in managing symptoms, especially when paired with therapy and comprehensive treatment. Here’s an up-to-date look at the most commonly used anti anxiety-medication names, and why professional guidance is essential.

Common Types of Anti-Anxiety Medications

  1. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
    First-line treatment for many anxiety disorders, SSRIs work by increasing serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety. Common choices include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
  2. SNRIs (Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
    These medications boost both serotonin and norepinephrine levels, aiding mood and energy regulation. Examples include venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
  3. Benzodiazepines
    Intended for short-term or emergency use, benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin) work rapidly to soothe intense symptoms. However, they carry a higher risk of tolerance and dependency.
  4. Buspirone
    non-addictive option, Buspirone (BuSpar) can relieve general anxiety over time with fewer side effects. It may take several weeks to start working, making it less suitable for urgent relief.
  5. Beta-Blockers
    Although originally designed for heart conditions, drugs like propranolol can reduce physical anxiety symptoms (e.g., rapid heartbeat), particularly for performance anxiety. They do not address psychological causes and should be used cautiously.
  6. Other Options
    These include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), MAOIs, and antihistamines like hydroxyzine (Vistaril). While less commonly used today, they may be appropriate in specific cases, and must be closely supervised by a clinician.

Understanding Side Effects and Risks on Anti-Anxiety Meds

  • SSRIs/SNRIs can cause nausea, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes sexual dysfunction—most side effects ease with time.
  • Benzodiazepines may result in sedation, memory issues, imbalance, and dependency, especially when mixed with other depressants.
  • Buspirone may prompt dizziness, headaches, or restlessness, but lacks the dependency issues associated with benzos.
  • Beta-blockers can lead to fatigue, low blood pressure, and breathing issues, care is required for people with asthma or diabetes.

Common Anti-Anxiety Medication Types & Names List

Medication Class Examples Key Notes
SSRIs Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa First-line; fewer side effects
SNRIs Effexor XR, Cymbalta Boosts mood and energy
Benzodiazepines Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin Fast-acting; high-risk of dependency
Buspirone BuSpar Low risk of dependency; takes time to work
Beta-Blockers Propranolol Helps physical symptoms, not anxiety itself
Other (TCAs, MAOIs, etc.) Vistaril (hydroxyzine) etc. Older medications; use under close supervision

Identifying Anti-Anxiety Medications: What Loved Ones Should Know

If you’ve come across a pill in a loved one’s possession and aren’t sure what it is, you’re not alone. Many anti-anxiety medications go by both brand names and generic names, and may also appear with numbers, letters, shapes, or colors that make identification confusing.

To help you better understand what you may have found, here are some of the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications along with how they often appear:

Brand Name Generic Name Common Pill Markings / Shapes / Colors Notes
Xanax Alprazolam Oval or football-shaped, often white; “XANAX” and dosage (e.g., 0.25, 0.5, 1) stamped Short-acting benzodiazepine
Ativan Lorazepam White round or oval pills, imprinted with “R” or “B” codes depending on manufacturer Fast-acting; can cause sedation
Klonopin Clonazepam Blue or green tablets, often scored with numbers like “1”, “2” or “93” + markings Long-lasting benzo; used for panic
Valium Diazepam Yellow or white round tablets, “V” or “10” stamped, some are 2 mg or 5 mg Classic anti-anxiety medication
Lexapro Escitalopram White or off-white round pills, often “5”, “10”, or “20” stamped depending on dose SSRI; fewer side effects long-term
Zoloft Sertraline Green or blue tablets; round or oval with codes like “ZLT” or “100” One of the most prescribed SSRIs
Prozac Fluoxetine Green/white capsules, imprinted with “DISTA” and numbers like “3105” Distinctive capsule style
Celexa Citalopram Light pink or orange tablets; may read “F” or “C” + numbers SSRI; older cousin of Lexapro
Effexor XR Venlafaxine Capsule-shaped, grey/orange or red, imprinted with “W” or “XR” codes SNRI; extended release format common
Buspar Buspirone Small white tablets, often with “5” or “10” and “TV” or “AN” stamps Not sedating; low abuse risk
Vistaril Hydroxyzine Green or white capsules, imprinted with “VISTARIL” or “EP 117” Antihistamine used for anxiety relief
Cymbalta Duloxetine Blue/green capsule-shaped pills, marked with “60” or “30” SNRI; also used for chronic pain


Tips for Parents or Loved Ones Identifying Unknown or Suspicious Pills:

If you’re unsure what a pill is, reach out to our team or call a local pharmacy. Never assume based on color, markings or size alone.

When to Be Concerned About Anti-Anxiety Medication

  • Multiple pills with no labels
    fake vs real xanax dea photo for anti anxiety medication misidentification

    image from: https://www.dea.gov/onepill

  • Unprescribed medications in personal belongings
  • Signs of sedation, confusion, or withdrawal in behavior
  • Hidden use or defensive responses when asked about pills

Finding a pill doesn’t automatically mean misuse, but it’s an important moment to open a conversation and, if needed, consult professionals. Using identifiers alone can also lack conclusive support around what the pill contains. If you were to identify a pill, you may be mistaken of what you have actually found without professional support, as “pressed pills” on the black market are highly popular and can look identical to the pharmaceutical pills they are replicated after. Pressed pills also commonly contain other substances like Fentanyl, and are sold as Xanax.

Why Brooks Healing Center Can Support Your Journey

Medication isn’t a magic bullet—it’s one tool in a holistic treatment plan. At Brooks Healing Center, we prioritize a balanced, personalized approach that includes:

  • Medication Management: Prescribing and monitoring meds based on your unique needs (only when needed.)
  • Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other therapeutic modalities to tackle anxiety’s root causes .
  • Education & Support: Empowering you to understand medication options, manage side effects, and navigate transitions safely.
  • Ongoing Oversight: Regular check-ins with clinicians, with tapering plans or adjustments as needed.

Services Brooks Healing Center Offers for Anti-Anxiety Medication Dependency & Addiction

If you’re concerned about your child, spouse, or loved one misusing anxiety medication, especially benzodiazepines, we’re here to help. At Brooks Healing Center, we provide:

Need help? Reach out today and our admissions team will assist in collecting an assessment, verifying insurance and finding the right care for you or your loved one.