Generalized Anxiety Disorder
7 medicines
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes persistent, hard-to-control worry that interferes with daily life, treated with antidepressants, buspirone, and psychological therapy.
Effexor Xr
Venlafaxine
75/150mg
Effexor Xr is a antidepressants medication containing Venlafaxine, available as 75/150mg tablets.
Key facts
- GAD is persistent, difficult-to-control worry about everyday matters, work, health, finances, family, that lasts for months and interferes with normal functioning.
- It differs from ordinary stress: the anxiety feels out of proportion, is hard to switch off, and often comes with muscle tension, fatigue, poor sleep, and trouble concentrating.
- First-line medicines are SNRIs and SSRIs such as venlafaxine and escitalopram; buspirone is a non-sedating alternative.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy is recommended alongside or instead of medicine for mild-to-moderate cases.
How GAD shows up
Most people with GAD describe a constant low hum of dread that can spike without a clear trigger. Physically, tight shoulders, frequent headaches, an unsettled stomach, and restlessness are common. Mentally, there's often a tendency to anticipate the worst-case outcome of any situation and to struggle to shift attention away from the worry once it starts. Somatic complaints, fatigue, muscle pain, and insomnia are frequently what first bring someone to a doctor, well before they describe the anxiety itself.
Drug treatments
First-line medicines belong to the antidepressants group, specifically the SNRI and SSRI classes. Venlafaxine and duloxetine, both SNRIs, are well-studied for GAD and also ease physical symptoms like pain and fatigue. Among SSRIs, escitalopram and paroxetine have strong evidence for reducing how often and how severely worry episodes occur.
Buspirone works differently from antidepressants and doesn't cause sedation, which suits people who need daytime relief without feeling drowsy; it isn't linked to dependence, though it typically takes two to four weeks to reach full effect.
Psychological therapies, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, are recommended alongside or instead of medicine for mild-to-moderate presentations.
When to seek help promptly
Contact a doctor or emergency services the same day if anxiety comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or thoughts of self-harm. A local mental health crisis line can help in the meantime if one is available in your area.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.