If you have anxiety, you know how overwhelming it can be. Anxiety affects your feelings and thoughts and can make it hard to get through your day. You may have tried strategies like meditation, deep breathing and exercise to help rein in your anxiety and you’re wondering if medication could help.
Divya Jot Singh, MD, a psychiatrist with Banner Health, explained how medication can be a powerful tool that can help you manage anxiety, especially when you combine it with therapy and lifestyle changes. If you’re considering or have started taking anxiety medication, here are some tips to ensure you do so safely and effectively.
Start by talking to your health care provider
Have an open and honest conversation with your health care provider and explain how anxiety is affecting your life. Share any other medications or supplements you’re taking, so your provider can figure out the best medication for you and avoid possible interactions. Be sure your provider knows about the medication you’re taking for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart conditions.
“Once the diagnosis has been made, your provider should go over the different categories of medications they could prescribe for different kinds of anxiety disorders,” Dr. Singh said.
Be sure to ask questions about how the medications work, how long it takes to see results and any side effects to watch for.
Follow the prescribed dosage
Your provider will prescribe a specific dosage based on your needs. “Most medications need to be started at lower dosages and gradually increased to therapeutic levels,” Dr. Singh said.
Follow the dosage even if the medication doesn’t seem like it’s working right away. Many anxiety medications take several weeks before you see the full effects. Don’t adjust your dose on your own.
“Some anxiety medications can be addictive, so it’s important to take them as prescribed. Plus, if you don’t take them as prescribed, they might not help with your symptoms and could cause side effects or health issues,” Dr. Singh said.
Watch for side effects
Anxiety medications can cause side effects, especially when you first start taking them. Side effects vary based on the type of medication, but they could include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Restlessness
These side effects usually go away as your body adjusts to the medication. If you’re concerned about them, talk to your provider.
“Some medications can make you drowsy, so be mindful about driving for two to three hours after taking them,” Dr. Singh said.
Severe or unusual side effects include:
- Thoughts of suicide, which can happen with certain medications in certain age groups
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme mood changes
If you notice any of these side effects, contact your provider immediately.
Stay consistent with your medication
Taking your medication at the same time every day helps keep the right amount of it in your body, so it can work better. If it’s hard for you to remember, set reminders on your phone or use a pill organizer. That way, you can get the most out of your treatment.
Avoid mixing anxiety medication and certain substances
Before starting any new medication or supplement, check with your provider or pharmacist to make sure it’s safe. “Definitely avoid using alcohol, marijuana or other illicit drugs,” Dr. Singh said. Using these substances may make your anxiety medication less effective or cause harmful side effects.
“Some medications affect the way your brain controls your breathing, so taking them with other substances that have a similar effect on your brain could be deadly,” Dr. Singh said.
Track your progress
Pay close attention to how you feel after starting your medication. “Keeping a journal that tracks your symptoms and their intensity can be a good guide to whether the medication is working,” Dr. Singh said. You may want to track:
- Changes in your symptoms
- Any side effects
- Hours of sleep, if anxiety was keeping you awake
- Improvements in attention or concentration
- Number of panic attacks, if you’ve been having them
This information can help your provider adjust your treatment plan if needed. Finding the right medication and dosage may take time, so communicate with your provider and be patient.
Don’t stop taking anxiety medication suddenly
If you stop anxiety medication suddenly your anxiety may come back and you could have withdrawal symptoms. If you want to stop taking your medication, work with your provider to create a schedule where you decrease it gradually and safely.
Try other treatments, too
Anxiety medication works best when you combine it with other treatments. “Different forms of psychotherapy can help you uncover what’s causing your anxiety. And therapy can be the main option if you can’t tolerate medications,” Dr. Singh said. “Mindfulness and meditation may also be helpful.”
A healthy lifestyle may also make a difference. Choose a balanced diet, get regular physical activity and try to get seven to nine hours of restorative sleep every night.
The bottom line
Taking medication for anxiety is a good step toward better mental health. Be patient and consistent with your medication to get the best results. If you’re dealing with anxiety or considering starting medication to treat it, reach out to your provider or an expert at Banner Health. With guidance, you can manage your anxiety and improve your well-being.
