Should i use anxiety medication

Many other medicines may help treat anxiety, although doctors usually only prescribe them if SSRIs or similar drugs do not work. Beta-blockers are a common medication for people with high blood pressure and heart conditions.

However, doctors may prescribe them off-label for anxiety in certain situations. Beta-blockers reduce the effects of norepinephrine, meaning that they can relieve some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Examples of beta-blockers include atenolol Tenormin and propranolol Inderal. Buspirone BuSpar works much more slowly than benzodiazepines and may not treat all types of anxiety disorder, but it causes fewer side effects and has a lower risk of dependency.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs are one of the earliest types of antidepressant. Doctors may prescribe them off-label to treat the symptoms of panic disorder and social phobia. Types of MAOI include:. Antidepressants and other drugs for anxiety have the potential to cause side effects in some people. These often resolve after a few weeks, but it is crucial to see a doctor if they are intolerable or do not subside. Some doctors may recommend taking anxiety medications with food to minimize side effects, or taking them before bed, as long as the drug does not interfere with sleep.

Benzodiazepines also carry certain risks. For example, they can cause physical dependence, even after a short period of use. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines may lead to:. People with asthma should avoid beta-blockers. People with diabetes should take them with caution and speak to a doctor about the possible risks.

These medications also interact with several other drugs as well as some foods and drinks. Anyone taking MAOIs should ask their doctor for a complete list of the medicines, foods, and drinks that they need to avoid. The United States Food and Drug Administration FDA require all antidepressants to carry a black-box warning relating to the risk of suicide in children and young adults. More than 30 percent of overdoses involving opioids also involve anti-anxiety medications. Alonzo said.

Alcohol plays a role in decreasing consciousness and cognitive ability. These substances together can be incredibly dangerous, even fatal. Patients who misuse prescription medications might believe that these substances are safer than illicit substances, which is not the case.

Any patient under treatment with a prescription medication for a mental health disorder should discuss the use of alcohol, over-the-counter medications and other substances with their pharmacist or provider. Everyone needs to have an open conversation about those risks. Generally, providers do not recommend benzodiazepines during pregnancy or during breastfeeding because they can get into breast milk. The nursing infant has the potential to experience symptoms like sedation, feeding difficulties and weight loss.

You and your health care team should evaluate the benefits of breastfeeding with the risk of potential infant drug exposure and an untreated or inadequately treated mental health disorder in the mother. Anxiety disorders are treated differently depending on the person.

However, there is hope for your recovery and you are worth it. If you are having trouble managing your anxiety, then speak with a health care provider about your options. Media contact: Dee Dee Grays , Which anti-anxiety medication is right for me? People who have generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, worry uncontrollably about common situations.

GAD is different from normal anxiousness. What are the benefits of running for anxiety? Well, there are many. Here's how going for a jog can clear your head. Weighted blankets are a popular way to relieve anxiety and improve sleep. Learn more here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Drugs to Treat Anxiety Disorder. About treatment. Home remedies for anxiety. Talk with your doctor. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders.

Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD. Medically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD. An Overview of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Hit the Reset Button: Running for Anxiety. Do Weighted Blankets Work? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. With gut troubles—as with other health concerns—frequency matters.

If that rings a bell for you, let your clinician know. Do you find yourself getting annoyed or irritated by the smallest little things? If it happens a lot, it could be a sign of anxiety. Researchers at Concordia University recently found a possible reason for this link. According to the researchers, when the outcome of a situation could be good or bad, anxious people tend to assume the worst. That results in heightened anxiety.

Calming your anxious thoughts—naturally or with the help of an anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a clinician—can improve your mood and relationships. If your clinician recommends an anti-anxiety medication, ask if pharmacogenetic PGx testing can help personalize your treatment plan based on your genes. The Genomind test requires a prescription.

Wondering if it can help you? Learn more about Genomind here. Get a lifetime of smarter mental health treatment guidance.