Do you have to be on anxiety medication forever?

It's recommended to keep taking your medication for at least 12 months if you're benefiting from it. This is meant to help prevent symptoms from getting worse again. After 12 months or so, you and your healthcare provider may decide to continue the medication or to gradually stop taking it.

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Are anti anxiety meds permanent?

These drugs can provide temporary relief, but they also come with side effects and safety concerns—some significant. They are also not a cure.

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How long do you take anxiety medication for?

People usually take SSRIs for 6–12 months to treat anxiety and then gradually reduce the dosage. These drugs are not habit-forming, meaning that they do not usually lead to dependence. People should consult a doctor or physician before they start reducing or stopping their medication.

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Does anxiety come back after stopping medication?

Discontinuation symptoms can include anxiety and depression. Since these may be the reason you were prescribed antidepressants in the first place, their reappearance may suggest that you're having a relapse and need ongoing treatment.

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How I healed my anxiety without drugs?

Many people can limit or overcome their anxiety symptoms without medication. If you're experiencing stress, worry, fear, anxiety, racing thoughts, or difficulty sleeping, it can be difficult to cope. A few common ways of handling anxiety without medication are exercise, mindfulness, deep breathing, and therapy.

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When Should an Anxiety Disorder Patient Take Medication?

34 related questions found

Is anxiety a form of mental illness?

Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.

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Does your brain go back to normal after anxiety medication?

In time, the brain readjusts and people should experience a return to their normal state. If depressive symptoms do arise and gradually worsen, it's best to consult a psychiatrist or doctor, if they don't improve within a few weeks or if they become severe.

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How long should you stay on antidepressants for anxiety?

It's usually recommended that a course of antidepressants continues for at least 6 months after you feel better, to prevent your condition recurring when you stop. Some people with recurrent illness are advised to carry on taking medicine indefinitely.

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Can you go back to normal after anxiety?

Feelings of anxiety are likely to pass with time as we get used to the "new normal" but it's important to do what we can to take care of our mental health. There are lots of things that can help you to manage these feelings and make it easier to adjust.

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How do I know if I need anxiety meds?

7 Signs You Might Benefit from Anti-Anxiety Medication
  • You're Perpetually Nervous and on Edge. ...
  • You Avoid Things That Are Good for You. ...
  • You Toss and Turn Every Night. ...
  • You Have Mysterious Aches and Pains. ...
  • You Have a Permanent Bellyache. ...
  • You Work Hard but Get Nothing Done. ...
  • You Regularly Fly Off the Handle.

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Is it OK to take anxiety medication everyday?

These medications take effect almost immediately and usually start to wear off within a few hours. They should not be taken daily unless your doctor explicitly recommends it.

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What does it feel like to be on anxiety medication?

Side effects that you may experience with anxiety medication include: Fatigue, tiredness, or drowsiness. Restlessness or agitation. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.

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Why are so many people on anxiety meds?

As coronavirus health concerns, social isolation and job-loss stress take a toll, people turn to medications; 'It can very quickly become a habit'

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Can you take antidepressants for life for anxiety?

For people with chronic or severe depression, medication may be needed on a long-term basis. In these cases, antidepressants are often taken indefinitely. That is, in part, because depression is not an illness that can be cured.

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Is it worth taking antidepressants for anxiety?

If you experience anxiety

If you have a form of anxiety or phobia, an antidepressant could help you feel calmer and more able to deal with other problems. It could also help you feel more able to benefit from other anxiety treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

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How do you know when to stop taking antidepressants?

Your doctor might recommend stopping your antidepressant if:
  1. You're feeling better, and you and the doctor agree that it's time to stop.
  2. You have been taking the medicine for at least 6 months.

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Does anti anxiety medication stop overthinking?

If you have anxiety, medication can help because the medicines used for anxiety alter the chemicals in your body and brain, reducing symptoms, and often helping you calm down and focus on other things.

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What are the long term effects of anxiety medicine?

This includes lethargy, headaches, and potentially depression. Other side effects when used for a long period of time include flu-like symptoms, the desire to commit suicide, nausea, problems with sleeping, problems with memory, a change in personality and emotional clouding.

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What is considered severe anxiety?

Severe anxiety is when the body's natural responses to anticipated stress exceed healthy levels and interrupt your ability to function and carry out typical day-to-day tasks. The immediate physical symptoms can include a racing heart, changes in breathing, or a headache.

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Why do people develop anxiety?

Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.

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At what point does anxiety become a problem?

Anxiety becomes problematic when it is unexpectedly severe or lasts longer than anticipated after a stressful situation has ended, causes very marked personal upset, or causes someone to be unable to cope with everyday challenges.

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How do I permanently deal with anxiety?

Here's what you can do:
  1. Keep physically active. Develop a routine so that you're physically active most days of the week. ...
  2. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. ...
  3. Quit smoking and cut back or quit drinking caffeinated beverages. ...
  4. Use stress management and relaxation techniques. ...
  5. Make sleep a priority. ...
  6. Eat healthy.

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What is the best natural thing to take for anxiety?

Is there an effective herbal treatment for anxiety?
  • Kava. ...
  • Passion flower. ...
  • Valerian. ...
  • Chamomile. ...
  • Lavender. ...
  • Lemon balm.

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