What is the difference between anxiety medications and anti-depressants?

[goutham]

have anxiety disorder and depression, and my psychiatrist mentioned that it may be good for me to get on medication for my condition(s). I was wondering what is the difference between anxiety medications and anti-depressants? Can they be taken together or would they interfere with eachother? Would it be wise for me to take medications for both conditions?

[admin]

Some antidepressants can be given for anxiety e.g. Venlafaxine.

But generally speaking they are similar in action and most antidepressants will help anxiety.

They can be taken together.

Anxiety can be secondary to depression and many psychiatrists treat depressin first if anxiety symptoms are not severe.