Many forms of anxiety can have a dramatic impact on everything from your relationships to your likelihood of developing a substance abuse problem. When symptoms of conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder become persistent and severe, anxiety medications and lifestyle interventions are among your treatment options.
The Prevalence of Anxiety in America
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 19.1% of adults or 40 million people, each year. The uncomfortable physical symptoms of anxiety range from muscle tension and nausea to hypertension and insomnia. The psychological effects often include depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating and extreme emotional responses to everyday situations. Because anxiety disorders are so prevalent, a number of effective anxiety medications have been developed to treat these conditions.
Commonly Prescribed Anxiety Medications
Many kinds of medications can help treat anxiety disorders. Each type works in its own way, and one may work better for some people than others, depending on their symptoms. The main groups of anxiety medications include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Because many people with anxiety disorders also suffer from depression, some doctors choose to prescribe medications that treat both. SSRIs help increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps people feel calmer, more emotionally stable and less agitated.
SSRIs commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorders include Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro and Paxil. These medications are frequently first-line treatments for anxiety disorders because they’re well tolerated and non-habit-forming.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
SNRIs are another type of antidepressant that may be helpful for treating anxiety with chronic pain. People with anxiety, along with other health conditions, may benefit from a tricyclic antidepressant such as Elavil or Tofranil.
Benzodiazepines
This common class of fast-acting prescription medications may be used to treat anxiety disorders such as panic attacks and social phobias. These medications bind to neurotransmitters, which helps calm the central nervous system. It slows brain activity, heart rate and breathing while lowering body temperature. Brand names include Xanax, Ativan, Valium and Serax.
When used on a short-term, as-needed basis, benzodiazepines can be highly effective in helping patients manage anxiety related to an exceptionally stressful or traumatic situation. Unfortunately, the body tends to quickly adapt to benzos. They’re only prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependency and side effects.
The Risks of Anxiety Medications
Antianxiety medications can be effective at managing anxiety, but similar to other prescription drugs, they may cause mild side effects at the beginning of treatment. At FHE Health, you’ll always be under the supervision of a health care provider who can monitor side effects and help manage any risks. We also combine medication with counseling and other therapies to encourage the best treatment outcomes.
Can You Treat Anxiety Without Medication?
Addressing the underlying causes of anxiety is critical to the success of our program participants. Many of our clients struggle with addiction to anxiety medications and other substances they’ve used in an effort to treat their anxiety by self-medicating. Our addiction medicine experts use advanced neuro-rehabilitative techniques to accurately assess each program participant and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments on an ongoing basis.
Your personalized treatment plan may include medication for anxiety as well as holistic interventions such as talk therapy, exposure therapy or neurofeedback training. For people who are apprehensive or addicted to anxiety medications, FHE treats anxiety without medication as an option. Drug-free interventions may include participation in physical fitness training, nutritional counseling and treatments at our on-site wellness center.
Natural Alternatives to Anxiety Medication
Natural alternatives to anxiety medications may be helpful to manage mild to moderate anxiety symptoms or to maintain results after formal treatment. Here are some of the most common options:
- Vitamins and minerals. Magnesium, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
- Herbal supplements. Chamomile, passionflower, ashwagandha, kava, valerian root and lemon balm may have calming properties. These should be used with caution due to side effects and potential interactions.
- Dietary changes. Limit the intake of sugar, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine, which are known to trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.
- Relaxation techniques. Journaling and time management can help reduce stress and provide a sense of control. Yoga, acupuncture, breathing exercises and meditation also promote relaxation.
Meditation for Anxiety Can Reduce Some Symptoms
According to Harvard Medical School, mindfulness meditation may be useful to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and help people make healthier choices. A recent study published by Frontiers in Psychology showed a 12-week meditation program effectively reduced anxiety and depression symptoms while also improving participants’ sleep quality and life satisfaction. While meditation can be beneficial for those who are willing and able to commit to regular practice, it’s not a guaranteed replacement for medication.
Combining Anxiety Medications With Holistic Treatments for Anxiety
Natural remedies can be helpful for some people, but it’s important to always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for anxiety. For people with moderate to severe or acute anxiety symptoms, lifestyle changes are most effective when used along with medication or a combination of treatments.
At FHE Health, our holistic approach includes a variety of interventions such as in-depth neurological testing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychiatric care and deep brain stimulation therapy. In combination, these anxiety treatments can help you achieve effective, lasting relief.
Is It Safe to Manage Anxiety With Medication?
Ideally, drugs for anxiety allow life to become more manageable in the present. Prescriptions may not necessarily need to be taken for your entire life. At the beginning of therapy, antianxiety medications offer patients relief from debilitating symptoms so they can seek out noninvasive, nonaddictive ways to cope with PTSD, OCD and panic attacks.
Unlike illnesses like the flu or common cold that run their course in a matter of days or weeks, anxiety disorders tend to worsen over time when left untreated. That’s why many people who suffer from anxiety are also diagnosed with concurrent disorders such as depression and substance abuse. At FHE Health, anxiety medications are prescribed to maximize benefits and minimize risks. We start with low doses that are slowly and gradually increased if needed. Patients are always monitored with regular check-ins to assess side effects, results and whether medication is still needed.
Want to Know More About Addiction, Anxiety Medications and Holistic Treatments for Anxiety?
If you’re dealing with panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, irrational fears or other symptoms related to anxiety, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a first responder who’s struggling with PTSD, a young person dealing with crippling panic attacks or a woman addicted to anxiety medications, we’re here for you. To learn more about our innovative, cutting-edge anxiety treatments at FHE Health, contact our team of compassionate, experienced counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
