When you go to your doctor, you should be honest about your symptoms. Tell your doctor about your anxieties and what your general mood has been lately. [1] X Research source After you receive a diagnosis from either your doctor, you can begin discussing medication and other treatment options.
You may be referred to a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, or social worker. The mental health professional will discuss various topics with you, like your life, support system, and previous treatments. They may ask very personal questions, but try to answer them openly and honestly. [3] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.
Ask your doctor to detail any side effects, as well as how long you’ll need to be on the medication. In addition, you might ask about any long-term drawbacks to being on the medication for a long time. [5] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020. Figure out exactly how you should take the medication. Ask about the time of day, whether you should take it with food, and how often you should take it. For instance, some anxiety medications need to be taken daily, while others are just as-needed. [6] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.
Common anti-anxiety meds include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, or Ativan. [8] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Anti-anxiety medication can lead to dependence when taken for longer than four months. This type of medication can interact negatively with alcohol, painkillers, and sleeping pills. High risk individuals for taking anxiety medication include people over 65, pregnant women, and those with a history of substance abuse. Stopping taking anxiety medication suddenly may cause withdrawal. This may include increased anxiety, insomnia, shaking, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and disorientation. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
Common antidepressants used for anxiety include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. Stopping taking antidepressants can cause severe depression, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms.
Buspirone doesn’t have the same side effects as other anxiety medications. It doesn’t lead to dependence as easily, there are only minor withdrawal symptoms, and it doesn’t impair cognitive function as badly. Buspirone has been shown to be most effective with generalized anxiety disorder. This may be a good option for people over 65 of those with a history of substance abuse.
These medications can help with things like shaking, dizziness, and pounding heart. They may be helpful if you have phobias or performance anxiety.
Anti-anxiety medication can cause drowsiness, slow reflexes, slurred speech, disorientation, depression, dizziness, impaired thinking, memory loss, upset stomach, and blurred vision. Some people may experience the opposite of the calming effects, experiencing mania, rage, aggression, impulsive behavior, or hallucinations. Antidepressants may cause nausea, weight gain, drowsiness, headaches, nervousness, decreased libido, upset stomach, and dizziness. Buspirone can cause stomach problems, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Beta blockers can cause abnormally slow pulse, nausea, light-headedness, and sleepiness.
If you need immediate help for panic or anxiety attacks, anti-anxiety medication like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, or Ativan may be right for you. If you want a medication for longer management, try antidepressants. Beta blockers and antihistamines may be a good choice if you have a very specific phobia. If you have a history of substance abuse, antidepressants or Buspirone may work well. These two may also work well if you are over 65.
Non-medication treatment options include therapy, behavior therapy, relaxation and breathing techniques, cognitive therapy, diet and exercise, and working on assertiveness and self-esteem. These other types of treatments can help you address the underlying reasons for your anxiety and the emotional and psychological symptoms. They can also help you learn skills to manage your anxiety in your daily life.
Discuss with your doctor before you take medication what other treatments are available for long-term management and treatment for your specific anxiety disorder.
Your doctor may suggest alternatives to medication. Consider trying other forms of treatment in place of or alongside the medication. Make sure to follow up with your doctor and discuss any changes, symptoms, or side effects you are experiencing.
