These side effects normally fade away, but if you are experiencing side effects from anxiety, always tell your doctor as they may be able to help. difficulty with sexual drive or arousal.Studies show that anxiety medication works better if someone also has therapy.Īnxiety medication can cause side effects in some people. It might take several weeks for the medication to take effect. Medication often takes longer to treat anxiety than it does to treat depression. Important information about anxiety medication Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed to assist sleep. Benzodiazepinesīenzodiazepines, also known as sedatives, are usually only used to reduce anxiety for a short term (less than a month, and the shorter the safer) as they are addictive. Most people who take antidepressants will be advised to take them for at least 12 months, if they are tolerating them well. These medicines increase the level of certain chemicals in your brain that can affect your mood. There are several kinds of antidepressants, but the ones most commonly used to treat anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These correct an imbalance of chemicals in the brain that causes anxiety. Medications for anxiety include antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

If your anxiety is moderate or severe, or you do not feel better with psychological therapy, your doctor might also prescribe medications. Your doctor might refer you to a psychologist for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of psychological therapy that can help you change your thoughts and behaviours, or other types of psychological therapies. Your doctor or a therapist may also use psychological therapy. The first step to treating anxiety is usually understanding what it is, how it affects you and if possible making lifestyle changes. If you have anxiety, your doctor or healthcare provider will need to ask detailed questions about what you are experiencing. Not everyone who has anxiety needs medication.

Anxiety medication to take as needed