What You Need to Know About Getting Anti-Anxiety Medication
Do you have chronic anxiety and want to know what anti-anxiety medications you can use? Keep reading!
Almost everyone experiences anxiety. It is normal and usually doesn’t require medications or therapy. However, some degrees of anxiety are unhealthy and need treatment. And that’s the aim of this article.
Anxiety disorders can disrupt a person’s daily activities. In some cases, it can lead to shock and depression. The good news is anxiety disorders are treatable. This article discusses what you need to know about anti-anxiety medications.
What Are the Different Anxiety Medications?
Treatments tend to vary depending on the symptoms and conditions. Several anti-anxiety medications can help curb anxiety symptoms and help you perform better. Here are some common medications:
Antidepressants
Although antidepressants are medications for depression, they also help with anxiety symptoms. They are also the first meditation choice for most people with anxiety. Moreover, SSRIs and SNRIs are antidepressants that treat anxiety disorders.
Examples of SSRIs are:
- Celexa
- Lexapro
- Prozac
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
While examples of SNRIs are venlafaxine ER and duloxetine. People also use Nardil, Marplan, and Elavil when SNRIs and SSRIs prove ineffective. They aren’t in either of the two groups.
Benzodiazepines
Another well-known anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines. Essentially, they help with anxiety symptoms like panic attacks, worrying, and fear. They are effective, but they come with many side effects. Hence, people use them for a short time to reduce the risks of side effects. Examples of these medications are Ativan, Klonopin, and Xanax.
Others
Aside from the ones mentioned before this heading, there are other anti-anxiety medications. They include Buspar, which is an excellent pick for those who have long-term anxiety. Vistaril is also a great choice if benzodiazepines don’t work or you have a history of substance use.
Few Things to Note About Anti-anxiety Medications
It is easy to get lost in all the noise around anti-anxiety medications. Knowing what to expect when you start taking them is vital. This section discusses some salient points you should note as regards anti-anxiety drugs.
Common Side Effects
Different medications have various side effects. But here are some common side effects of anti-anxiety drugs.
Side effects of some SNRIs and SSRIs antidepressants include:
- Weight gain
- Sexual-related problems such as erectile dysfunction and lower sex drive
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Side effects of benzodiazepines are:
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Confusion
Benzodiazepines have the highest risks of all the medications used for anxiety. Hence, it is not a prefered option by many. Plus, it is possible to depend on them and need more doses for the same effect. The side effects happen because the med works with the brain.
Also, there are withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking benzodiazepines. As a rule, you should lower the doses until you stop completely. For antidepressants, suicidal thoughts and behaviour are part of its side effects. If this happens, do well to contact your healthcare provider.
How Long It Takes Anti-Anxiety Meds to Start Working
Antidepressants often take two to six weeks to work. Nonetheless, this time range can vary, with some taking longer than six weeks. Alternatively, benzodiazepines almost start working after you take them.
What If the Medications Don’t Work?
You might have to try several medications before finding one that works. In most cases, healthcare personnel will give you two anxiety medications. Also, you might have to switch medications if you don’t see changes after six weeks.
Anti-anxiety Medications Might Have Long Term Changes In the Brain
Benzodiazepines might have a lasting effect on your brain and spinal cord. Often by changing the brain’s response time and ability to think. But these claims aren’t set in stone and are unlikely if you only take benzodiazepines for a short while. It is not yet clear the impacts antidepressants have on our brains yet.
No research highlights any long-lasting effects these medications can have on our brains.
You Don’t Have to Take the Medications for Life
Usually, how long you take anxiety medications depends on your symptoms. For instance, for antidepressants, you may have to take them for a few weeks to see improvement. If it works, you might have to keep it for 12 months. After, your doctor will decide if you should stop or continue.
Bottom Line
Anxiety is normal. But if it disrupts your daily activities, you might have to get medications. Therapy and medications are great against anxiety and improve the quality of life. Contact a healthcare provider for more information on the drugs to use.
