Highlights
- Medication is not the only way to treat anxiety but it can be recommended when anxiety symptoms are severe or disrupt daily life.
- The choice of medication depends on the diagnosis and individual needs.
- It’s important to discuss the dosage, side effects, duration of treatment, and other instructions with a healthcare provider.
- Non-medication approaches can support the effects of medicine.
As reported by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect
Depending on the specific diagnosis and symptom severity, patients may or may not need medication. Read on to learn more about when to consider pharmacological treatment and what the process entails.
First Steps in Treating Anxiety Disorders
The process starts with assessing symptoms and making a diagnosis. Common
- Excessive worrying
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intense fear
- Avoidance behaviors
- Racing thoughts
- Fatigue
Some conditions can also cause physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, palpitations, headaches, or upset stomach. The symptoms of anxiety can range from mild to severe and occur in different settings. Once a healthcare provider evaluates all these aspects and makes a diagnosis, they suggest a treatment plan.
Is Medication Always the Answer for Anxiety?
Medication isn’t the only treatment for anxiety, nor is it always the first choice. If the symptoms are not severe, healthcare professionals usually recommend starting with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. It is also possible to manage acute anxiety with non-medication strategies, but for individuals experiencing it persistently or having severe and frequent panic attacks, these methods may not always be effective enough. In such cases, the use of medication is worth discussing.
When to Consider Taking Medicine for Anxiety?
The right time to discuss this with your clinician can be in the following cases:
- If you experience severe anxiety or panic attacks.
- If symptoms of anxiety are so severe that they are impairing your daily life activities.
- If you start to face problems in your professional and personal life because of the condition.
- If other non-pharmacological approaches appeared to be ineffective.
- If you encounter intense physical symptoms that are not explained by other potential causes.
- If you have trouble sleeping or your schedule has been significantly disrupted.
- If there are any other mental health conditions co-occurring.
Which Anxiety Medication Is Right for You?
Several types of medications are used to manage anxiety disorders through various mechanisms. Each class has its own pros and cons, indications, and dosing.
The choice of medicine depends on your individual factors and may require a process of trial and error. Some commonly prescribed options include:
- Benzodiazepines: They are relatively fast-acting* and are mostly prescribed for the
short term [3*] because of their potential for abuse and withdrawal symptoms. Examples: alprazolam (Xanax [4*] ) and lorazepam (Ativan). - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (
SSRIs [5*] ): They are the first line of pharmacotherapy for persistent anxiety taking a few weeks to be fully effective. They increase the level of neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain thereby promoting calmness. Examples: sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac). - Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (
SNRIs [6*] ): They increase the level of both neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and can be used for long-term treatment. Examples: venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). Buspirone [7*] : It increases the concentration of serotonin and dopamine alleviating anxious feelings. It is used when the above-mentioned medications aren’t effective.- Tricyclic antidepressants: They also improve mood by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels but are less commonly used. Examples: amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil).
- Pregabalin (Lyrica): It is used off-label to treat GAD, including restlessness, worrying, and physical symptoms of anxiety.
- Beta-blockers: They are mainly used to treat high blood pressure and heart diseases by blocking adrenaline. They may also be used to relieve physical signs of anxiety. Example:
propranolol [8*] (Inderal).
*The exact onset and duration of action of the same medication may slightly vary among patients. Discuss the details with your healthcare provider and do not exceed the prescribed dose.
What Questions to Discuss With a Doctor?
When starting a medication, you may have questions about the treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Some important questions you may want to ask are the following:
- What is the prescribed dosage and when should I take medication?
- How long am I supposed to take it?
- How soon will I start to feel a positive difference?
- What if I don’t feel the medication working?
- What are the side effects I should look out for?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Should I take this medication with or without food?
- Are there any precautions?
- Is there any risk of addiction?
- Is it safe to take my other supplements and medicines alongside this medication?
Also, inform your doctor of previous treatment options you have tried and how effective or ineffective they have been for your mental health condition. All of this will help them better understand your individual circumstances and choose the most suitable course of action to improve your mental health.
Anxiety Medication Is Not Your Only Option
Anxiety medicine is effective, but it is not the only treatment option. Anxiety treatment is like a puzzle with many tiles coming together to complete it, and medication happens to be only one of the tiles. A healthcare provider can help you find alternatives if you’re hesitant about taking medicines.
However, it is important to remember that healthcare providers are qualified and experienced to suggest the most appropriate treatment options for you. Ultimately, the decision of taking or not taking medicines is personal, but it’s essential to discuss it with your doctor. They will answer your questions to help you better understand the pros and cons and decide which one can help to cope with an anxiety disorder more effectively.
Non-Medication Options
If you’re reluctant to use medicines or would like to explore non-medication options in addition to medicine, the following are some strategies:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (
CBT [9*] ), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT [10*] ),exposure therapy [11*] , andpsychoanalysis [12*] . Mindfulness and relaxation techniques [13*] : Deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization techniques, and yoga aid in reducing anxiousness.Lifestyle changes [14*] : Regular exercise, a healthy diet, improved sleep hygiene, and limited or avoided caffeine and alcohol can help you feel less anxious.- Support groups:
Bonding with peers [15*] who have the same experience may help you feel better. Emotional support from your family and friends will also make you feel resilient and hopeful.
Bottom Line
The decision to start medication for anxiety management is a big and important step that should only be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. Medicines are hardly used as a standalone treatment despite their efficacy. Instead, a comprehensive plan including both medication and psychotherapy is usually suggested. Contact MEDvidi today to book a video appointment and receive personalized treatment and support.
