After meeting with a health care provider and determining that you struggle with an anxiety disorder, you may be encouraged to start taking medication to manage your mental illness.
One in six adults in the United States reported taking psychiatric medications, such as an antidepressant or a sedative, according to a 2013 study from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).
One in six adults in the United States reported taking psychiatric medications, such as an antidepressant or a sedative, according to a 2013 study from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Medication is useful for mitigating the symptoms of anxiety and is often offered in tandem with other forms of therapy. Different anxiety disorders will require individualized medication regimens, but the majority of anxiety disorders are treated with a class of antidepressants known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs improve an individual’s mood by blocking the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. SSRIs do not have addictive properties and are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders, such as general anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although not everyone experiences side effects, some patients have reported experiencing weight gain, sleep problems and a decrease in libido. Another form of anti-anxiety medication is serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Alongside inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, SNRIs also inhibit the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, the chemical referred to as the stress hormone. SSRIs and SNRIs must be taken on a daily basis (or as prescribed by your medical professional) and may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to become effective.
For those who suffer from performance anxiety or acute forms of social anxiety disorders, antihistamines or beta blockers may be the answer. Where SSRIs and SNRIs must be taken on a daily basis, antihistamines or beta blockers are usually only administered when needed to calm nerves before an anxiety-inducing event. Anxiety can also manifest itself in the form of panic attacks, sudden episodes of intense fear or impending doom when there is no apparent danger. While the use of SSRIs or SNRIs can dampen the onset of a panic attack, benzodiazepines (i.e. Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) may be used for immediate relief. While benzodiazepines can be used to soothe the symptoms of panic attacks, they can cause drawbacks, such as drowsiness, irritability, attention problems and physical dependence, and are not meant to be taken on a daily basis.
Make sure to consult your doctor about your medication routine and monitor any positive or negative side effects that may arise (keeping a journal of your experiences could be useful for this), especially if you are prescribed any other medications. Some anxiety medications have the potential to incite suicidal thoughts or feelings; if this occurs, consult your health care provider immediately. If you are having trouble finding an anti-anxiety medication that works for you, inquire with your doctor about drug-genetic testing; this may help your doctor determine the right medication regimen for you. It is important to not get discouraged throughout the journey of finding the right anxiety medication – remember that everyone’s brain chemistry works differently and through patience, trial-and-error and open communication, you and your doctor can find the medication regimen that best fits your situation.
By: Brianna Harstad, AiT Contributor