Anxiety Medication

35% of people with an anxiety disorder wait for over 10 years before seeking help

Anxiety medication

Anxiety medications work predominantly by altering the chemical balances within the brain.

There are several different medications that can be prescribed; the choice will largely depend on what other symptoms and conditions the individual is experiencing.

 

Finding the correct medication for helping ease anxiety

Anxiety is commonly experienced along with other conditions such as depression and substance abuse.

For this reason it is important to see a trained professional, with experience of treating anxiety, as the accompanying conditions (co-morbidities) may need to be treated first before the anxiety can be successfully dealt with. It is not uncommon for people prescribed medication to help with the anxiety to have to try different medications to find the right one for them.

The management of this process needs to be carried out by a clinician as withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant and need to be managed carefully.

Types of medication used:

Antidepressants – the most common medications for anxiety are SSRIs (selective serotonin uptake inhibitors).

They work by altering how the brain reabsorbs the ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain and can be very effective at treating anxiety and depression.

For many there are fewer side effects of antidepressants than with other types of medications.

 

If SSRI’s do not work then there are other options including

Benzodiazepines can also be used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety but can become habit forming and people can develop a tolerance for them, making them less effective. Withdrawal symptoms are common so the management of these drugs needs to be carefully supervised.

Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant medication that can start to work quickly to help ease anxiety symptoms. It can ease anxiety symptoms but is not suitable for all as there are implications for those with heart or kidney problems. There can also be withdrawal symptoms experienced so management of the drug needs to be closely supervised.

 

Clinical Partners have team of over 180 clinicians, nationwide, who will be able to help you with your anxiety problems.

You may feel worried or even embarrassed about seeking help but our clinicians are picked because of their approachable and friendly nature and there passion for helping people in your situation.