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Anxiety disorders are very common, with around 19% of adults in the U.S. having an anxiety disorder. Even more struggle with chronic stress. Although therapy is a powerful and effective way to address anxiety symptoms, medications for anxiety can help take the edge off of the symptoms and provide quicker relief and healing.
Anxiety Medication can be given by a psychiatrist or a medical doctor. This article will go over who should use anxiety medications, the best anxiety medications out there, and how to prescribe anxiety medications.
Remember to always take anxiety medications under the supervision of a doctor. Some anti-anxiety medications may not be compatible with other medications.
Should I Use Anxiety Medication?
Who should use anxiety medications? Anxiety medications are used to treat a wide variety of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Anxiety medications can help alleviate persistent and excessive worry and anxiety associated with GAD, allowing individuals to regain a sense of calm and control.
- Panic Disorder: Medications prescribed for panic disorder can help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, enabling individuals to manage their symptoms more effectively and enhance their quality of life.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety medications may aid in minimizing the overwhelming fear and self-consciousness that individuals with social anxiety disorder experience in social situations, fostering increased comfort and confidence.
- Specific Phobias: Medication can be beneficial in managing symptoms of specific phobias, such as intense fear responses to certain objects or situations, allowing individuals to approach triggers with greater ease and reduced distress.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety medications can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for PTSD, assisting in managing intrusive thoughts, heightened arousal, and emotional reactivity associated with traumatic experiences.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): In conjunction with therapy, anxiety medications can help individuals with OCD reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, supporting symptom management and relief.
If you have general stress, medication can be helpful for you too, but therapy and other coping mechanisms will be more effective at creating long-lasting change.
Best Anxiety Medications
The best anxiety medication will depend on your unique need. Some anxiety medications are better at treating different symptoms than others. Also, because everybody is unique some people may not respond to medication in the intended way.
10 commonly prescribed anxiety medications include:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Bupropion Hydrochloride (Wellbutrin, Zyban,)
- Trazadone Hydrochloride (Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose, Oleptro, Trazodone D)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Ceberclon® and Klonopin®)
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (Vensir, Vencarm, Venlalix, Efexor, Venlablue)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal® and Subvenite®)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Topiramate (Topamax® and Topiragen®.)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra, Desitrend)
Finding the right medication can take some trial and error. That’s why it’s important to work with a psychiatrist, who is well-versed in mental health disorders and medication.
If you want to learn about what the best anxiety medication is for you, read our guide to anxiety medications and their side effects. Or, contact us to be scheduled with a psychiatrist near you today.
Over-the-counter medication for anxiety
There are no official over-the-counter medications for anxiety that work in the same way as the prescribed anxiety meds listed above. However, there are a number of natural remedies for anxiety that have begun to gain popularity.
- Lavender Essential Oil: Known for its calming properties, inhaling lavender essential oil or using it in a diffuser may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Chamomile: Whether in the form of tea or supplements, chamomile is celebrated for its soothing effects on the mind and body, potentially aiding in anxiety reduction.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with potential benefits for mental health, including the management of anxiety symptoms.
- Magnesium: Magnesium can help you sleep, which can help reduce levels of anxiety and give you the energy you need to address anxiety as it comes up in your everyday life.
- Passionflower: Available as a supplement or tea, passionflower has been studied for its potential in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving overall well-being.
Natural remedies can still interact with other medications in dangerous ways, so be sure to talk with a medical provider or psychiatrist before starting natural remedies for anxiety.
Also, it’s important to remember that the FDA has not approved any of these natural supplements for treating anxiety, and more research has to be done to verify the safety of taking these supplements in the long-term.
How to Get Anxiety Medication Prescribed
You have anxiety and you’re ready to start feeling better, but you don’t know where to begin. Do you go to your family doctor or your therapist? What anxiety medication do you choose?
There are professionals who can help you every step of the way. Here is how to get prescribed anxiety medication:
- Talk to your therapist, if you have one: If you already have a therapist, they are a great resource. A therapist such as an LPC or LCSW cannot prescribe medication because they are not medical doctors. However, they can refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health disorders. They are the most adept at prescribing medication for anxiety and any other kinds of disorders. (Read more about the differences between a psychiatrist and a therapist in this article.)
- Schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist: If you don’t already have a therapist, you can find a psychiatrist on your own. Lifebulb has a number of psychiatrists who can prescribe and manage medication. You could also meet with your primary care provider or family doctor. These doctors can prescribe medications for mental health but do not have the mental health specialization that psychiatrists do and may not be able to be as hands on when it comes to managing your medication.
- Manage Medication: Getting medication for anxiety is the first step, but the work isn’t done after that. Your psychiatrist will ask you to notice or track your symptoms. If you don’t see any improvements within 2 weeks, they may switch you to a different medication or up your dose. Every person’s body and mind are different and require a different solution. Finding that solution can take some time. After you find the right dose and type of medication, monitoring symptoms is also important. Watching out for side effects and adjusting the dose when needed is an important part of holistic recovery.
Medication is not and should not be your only tool against anxiety. Coping mechanisms and therapy are also powerful ways to combat anxiety and create lasting change in your life.
How to deal with anxiety without medication
Some anxiety disorders have a strong genetic causation, and in these cases anxiety medication is crucial. Although many people do take anxiety medication long-term, the goal of mental health medication is to eventually come off it. Medication acts like a dampening effect on your symptoms and helps your brain receive the right chemicals to feel okay. From there, you can make healthy lifestyle changes and therapy that will make long-lasting changes.
Some other ways to deal with anxiety without medication include:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Cultivating present-moment awareness through mindfulness practices and meditation can help individuals ground themselves, manage anxious thoughts, and foster a sense of calm and clarity.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety symptoms by calming the nervous system.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators, which can help reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being. Incorporating movement into daily routines is beneficial for mental and physical health.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Prioritizing adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and hydration can support mental health by enhancing mood stability and providing the body with essential nutrients for optimal functioning.
- Journaling and Creative Expression: Writing down thoughts and feelings in a journal or engaging in creative activities like art, music, or dance can serve as outlets for processing emotions, reducing stress, and promoting self-expression.
- Seeking Support Through Therapy: Connecting with a skilled therapist can offer valuable insights, coping strategies, and emotional support in navigating anxiety. Therapy provides a safe space to explore challenges, cultivate resilience, and work towards personal growth.
- Establishing Healthy Boundaries: Setting boundaries in relationships, work environments, and daily routines is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being and preventing overwhelm that can contribute to anxiety.
If you are struggling with anxiety, Lifebulb can help. We have therapists and psychiatrists who are trained to treat anxiety disorders. Contact us to meet with a mental health professional today.
