Anxiety can really slow you down in life, making things hard. But there is good news: you can get help that works. A blog post on Cup of Jo shared Joanna Goddard’s story. She had serious anxiety, even saying she felt panicky a lot. But once she got anti-anxiety medicine and help, it turned things around for her.
First, you need to know if what you’re feeling is normal worry or an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders make you worry too much, even about little things. This can stop you from doing what you need to do every day. But don’t worry. Many health experts are out there to help. This includes your regular doctor, mental health doctors, and nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health.
One big way to manage anxiety is with medicines from the doctor. These might include SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, or beta blockers. Your doctor will pick which one is best for you, based on what you’re going through.
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily life.
- Healthcare providers like primary care doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists can help diagnose and treat anxiety.
- Commonly prescribed anxiety medications include SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers.
- It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right medication and treatment plan for your individual needs.
- Lifestyle changes like exercise, relaxation techniques, and therapy can also be effective in managing anxiety symptoms.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
It’s okay to feel a little worried at times. But, if worry sticks around too long, it might be an anxiety disorder. An article on TODAY shares that in the U.S., about 2.7% of adults get this worry every year. And 5.7% will feel it in their lifetime. If worry stops you from doing daily things, it might be more than just normal worry.
Difference Between Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are more than just being worried or scared. They stick around, are too much, and mess with how you live every day. They often show up with physical signs like feeling sick, getting headaches, or a fast heartbeat. People might try to feel better by using alcohol or drugs, which is not healthy.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Here’s what the article highlights as signs of an anxiety disorder: Overthinking with no solution, worry that gets in the way of daily life, imagining the worst, and feeling like you can’t breathe. These things can make it pretty hard to keep up with your normal life.
Types of Healthcare Providers for Anxiety Treatment
Looking for help with anxiety disorder? You have many choices in healthcare providers. Knowing who does what can guide you to the right help for you.
Primary Care Physician
Start with your primary care provider for anxiety that feels linked to health. They’ll look for health issues that might be causing it.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor for mental health conditions. They give psychotherapy and medications for anxiety disorder.
Psychologist
A psychologist finds out if you have anxiety. They offer counseling (psychotherapy) to help you.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric nurse practitioners offer basic mental healthcare. They diagnose, treat mental issues, and can give medications.
Anti-Anxiety Medications: An Overview
Medicines are key in helping with anxiety disorders. They reduce stress and make life better. Doctors commonly give out selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and beta blockers.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs stand as a top choice for anxiety. Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro are some medicines. These pills lift serotonin in the brain to enhance how you feel.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine ER (Effexor XR) are also handy for anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Drugs like Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan help but just for a little while. They’re good for general anxiety but SSRIs are usually first picks.
Beta Blockers
In cases of jittery nerves, beta blockers offer relief. They reduce a fast heart, shakes, and blushing. This is great for speeches or performances.
| Medication | Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | First-line treatment for anxiety disorders | Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram) |
| Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) | Treatment for anxiety disorders | Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor XR (venlafaxine ER) |
| Benzodiazepines | Short-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder | Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) |
| Beta Blockers | Off-label use for performance anxiety | Sectral (acebutolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Inderal LA (propranolol) |
Choosing the Right Anxiety Medication
Everyone’s anxiety is different, so one medicine does not fit all. Your doctor might give you SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, or beta blockers. The right one for you depends on what you need and prefer, and how well it works for you.
When talking with your doctor, ask about how well each medicine works, its side effects, and when you might feel better. Think about the medicine’s cost and if your insurance will help pay for it. Discussing these things will help you and your healthcare team find the best medicine. This can make your life better by reducing anxiety.
Preparing for Your Doctor’s Appointment
Before you go for your anxiety medication appointment, spend some time getting ready. This is important. It will help you make the most of your visit. Also, it will make sure your healthcare provider gets all the info needed to give you great care for your anxiety disorder.
Making a List of Symptoms and Concerns
First, make a list of all your anxiety symptoms. Write down when they happen. Also, note what makes them better or worse. And, how they affect your daily life is key.
This list will paint a clear picture for your doctor. They will see exactly how your anxiety issues are affecting you.
Gathering Family History Information
Don’t forget to jot down any family history of mental health problems. Make sure to include any other health conditions you have and the medications you are taking now.
This info is crucial. It will help your doctor put together the perfect anxiety treatment plan for you.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When talking about
anxiety medications
with your doctor, ask questions. This helps you understand the treatment and side effects. Working as a team ensures the best
anxiety medication
for you.
Medication Side Effects
Always ask about side effects of each anxiety medication. You might experience drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, or headaches. It’s important to know these effects. This info guides your choice and lets you keep an eye on how you’re doing.
Duration of Treatment
Wonder how long you’ll be taking the anxiety medication? Your doctor will give you a timeline. They’ll also talk about stopping or lowering the dose as you get better.
Potential Risks and Interactions
Ask about any risks or if the anxiety medication interacts with other drugs. This is key if you take other meds or have health issues. Knowing this helps you choose wisely for your anxiety treatment. It keeps you safe too.
| Medication | Side Effects | Interactions | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth | May interact with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other medications | Long-term, often several months to years |
| Benzodiazepines | Drowsiness, dizziness, memory problems | May interact with alcohol, opioids, and other central nervous system depressants | Short-term, typically 2-4 weeks |
| Beta Blockers | Fatigue, low blood pressure, cold extremities | May interact with certain heart medications, diabetes medications, and decongestants | Short-term, often used as needed for specific situations |
Ask these questions to create a detailed
anxiety treatment
plan with your doctor. This plan will be tailored to what you need and any concerns you have.
how to get anxiety medication
Understanding Your Treatment Plan
How to get anxiety medication starts with working closely with your doctor. They will create a special plan just for you. This will include details like which anxiety medication you will take, how much, and for how long.
Filling and Taking Medications as Prescribed
After your doctor picks the right anxiety treatment for you, it’s time to fill your prescription. Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, even if you don’t feel better right away. Using your anti-anxiety drugs correctly and on time is key to getting better.
Lifestyle Changes for Anxiety Management
Taking medicine and changing how you live are both key in handling anxiety. Changing what you do each day can calm anxiety and make you feel better all around.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Doing regular exercise fights off anxiety. Try to do 30 minutes of active exercise most days. This makes your body release good chemicals, relax your muscles, and keeps your mind off worry.
Relaxation Techniques
Simple calming exercises can work wonders for anxiety. Things like deep breathing, tensing and relaxing your muscles, and imagining peaceful places can soothe your mind and body. Giving time every day to these methods can lower your stress.
Therapy Options
Getting help from a pro, like a CBT therapist, is big in treating anxiety. CBT teaches you to spot and change bad thoughts, find ways to deal, and face your worries slowly. With or without medicine, a therapist can be a big help in dealing with anxiety.
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Treatment
Starting your anxiety meds is a big step. It’s key to watch how you’re doing and tell your doctor if you’re worried or not feeling better. This lets them figure out if what you’re trying works. And they can tweak things if needed.
If the first medicine doesn’t work well, your doctor might change the dose or try something else. It’s important to know that what works for one person may not work for another. It could take time to find what suits you best. Stay patient and keep in touch with your doctor.
It really helps to keep notes on how you feel, any side effects, and your mood. This info is gold for your doctor in choosing the best plan for you. Don’t hold back – talking openly with your doctor is vital to getting the right help for your anxiety.
Conclusion
Finding the correct anxiety medication is key to improving life. Work with your doctor to learn your options. Getting ready for your appointment and changing your lifestyle help a lot.
Many people in the U.S. have anxiety disorders. Studies say 2.7% of adults face it every year. And 5.7% will have it at some point in their life. So, it’s crucial to talk to a pro and check out different treatments, like SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers.
It’s important to be active in your care. Together with your doctor, you can find what’s best for you. Adding therapies like CBT, calming methods, and exercise can make your treatment better. Be patient and keep at it. It might take some tries, but you’ll see a good change in how you feel and enjoy life.
