What is the role of medication?

Antidepressant medications (such as Prozac or Sertraline) are now commonly used for the treatment of anxiety, and can be very effective in managing generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder. See Module 12 for specific details regarding these medications. Sedative medication may also be used with psychological therapies and can be useful in the short term to medium term to reduce the distress, fear and physical symptoms associated with anxiety. Commonly used medications include benzodiazepines such as temazepam or diazepam (Valium) which can also be used to help people sleep. Sometimes anti-psychotic medications can be prescribed to improve sleep and to help people feel calm.