Side effects that you may experience with anxiety medication include: Fatigue, tiredness, or drowsiness. Restlessness or agitation. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
Whether you're on antidepressants, anti-anxiety, ADHD, or other medication, you might be experiencing one or more of these unpleasant symptoms. For example, you might get nauseous whenever you take your medication, and may even vomit. You may lose your appetite and/or have diarrhea.
If you feel edgy almost every day, it's a good idea to seek help. Talk therapy will sometimes do the trick. However, if you often feel like you're standing at the edge of a cliff—heart racing, palms sweating, feeling like you might faint—you could be having panic attacks.
“Once our brain starts to adjust to the medication, our behaviors and facial expressions will begin to subtly change,” says MacKenna. “Those who see us every day will pick up on these changes before we realize we are beginning to feel better.” You start sleeping well.
If you have anxiety, medication can help because the medications used for anxiety alter the chemicals in your body and brain, reducing symptoms, and often helping you calm down and focus on other things.
Benzodiazepines (like Xanax) are taken for anxiety and panic attacks as needed. They work rapidly (30-60 minutes) and wear off after several hours.
The even better news: Many people respond well to anxiety treatment without medication. They find that their condition can often be managed entirely, or at least in part, with lifestyle changes and holistic therapies.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft.
Some of the general side effects associated with anti-anxiety medications may include drowsiness, confusion, and clumsiness. This is the case even with low doses. The higher the dose, the more intense the side effects are. When abused, benzodiazepines can lead to death.
This is a reasonable fear because the medication can initially make our mood a little flat. However, once our bodies are used to the drug, this often levels off, leaving us feeling calmer and more stable. Many people fear that taking psychoactive meds will rob them of their creativity.
7) Do I have to take my anxiety medication for life? Not always. It depends on your symptoms and how controlled they become over time. As mentioned, if you're taking an antidepressant, it may take a few weeks before your symptoms improve.
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.
If you're not having any side effects, don't be in a hurry to stop. Many experts would recommend treatment for 12 to 18 months. If you do want to try stopping taking your medication sooner, talk with your doctor first. Don't just stop it on your own.
The strongest type of anxiety medication currently available is benzodiazepines, more specifically Xanax. It is important to note that benzodiazepines are not the only medication used to treat anxiety; however, they are the most potent and habit-forming.
Take your time.
You may be tempted to stop taking antidepressants as soon as your symptoms ease, but depression can return if you quit too soon. Clinicians generally recommend staying on the medication for six to nine months before considering going off it.
For the majority of people with undiagnosed or untreated anxiety disorder, there are many negative consequences, for both the individual and society. These include disability, reduced ability to work leading to loss of productivity, and a high risk of suicide.
Reduce Anxiety with Exercise
Exercise naturally reduces this hormone, allowing your body back into a state of equilibrium and relaxation. In addition, physical activity helps release those feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins, making you feel happier and less anxious.
What does Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines) do? Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA—a chemical in the brain that helps you to feel calm. Their effect also produces drowsiness, making it easier to fall asleep and sleep through the night.
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.
Symptoms of severe anxiety are frequent and persistent and may include increased heart rate, feelings of panic and social withdrawal. These symptoms can result in loss of work and increased health care costs.
The current meta-analysis indicates that ANX has an onset around 21 years and that anxiety disorder subtypes differ in the mean AOO.
As of this writing, some of the anxiety medications with the fewest reported side effects and least risk of side effects include: Most Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Citalopram (Celexa - SSRI)