Anxiety medication use surges as 38 million Americans turn to SSRIs for relief
Anxiety medication use surges as 38 million Americans turn to SSRIs for relief
Anxiety medication use surges as 38 million Americans turn to SSRIs for relief
More Americans than ever are now taking medication for anxiety. The share of adults using these drugs rose from 11.7% in 2019 to 14.3% in 2024, bringing the total to around 38 million people. The sharpest increases appeared among young adults, college graduates, and LGBTQ+ individuals, with much of the growth happening during the COVID pandemic.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, remain the most common treatment for anxiety disorders. Drugs like Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro are widely prescribed for conditions such as generalised anxiety and panic disorder. A recent study found that over half of patients with generalised anxiety saw their symptoms cut by at least 50% after starting an SSRI. Only about one in twelve stopped treatment because of side effects.
Common side effects include upset stomach, brain fog, fatigue, and reduced libido. Yet many users, like 40-year-old Sadia Zapp, find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Zapp, a communications director in New York, began taking Lexapro after a year of cancer treatment left her struggling with anxiety. Within months, she noticed her mind felt quieter and her focus sharper.
Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes alongside medication. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and talk therapy—especially cognitive behavioural therapy—are frequently suggested as extra support. However, concerns about SSRIs persist. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned their wider use, citing possible links to violent behaviour, despite evidence of their safety. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has also flagged potential risks for pregnant women, though research shows low dangers for both mother and child.
The rise in anxiety medication use reflects growing demand for mental health support. SSRIs continue to help millions manage symptoms, with many reporting significant improvements. Still, discussions about their long-term effects and appropriate prescribing practices remain ongoing.