Do I need Medication for Anxiety?

Anxiety is a very common problem that a large portion of the population deals with daily. A small amount of anxiety is normal for everyone, regardless of any factors.

However, if it starts affecting your daily life, then it should be treated with more concern.

Some people wonder, “Do I need medication for my anxiety?” This blog strives to clear this doubt.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response of our brain towards stress or any perceived threats that it picks up. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.”

A meagre amount of anxiety is required to achieve or be accountable for anything; however, intense anxiety can ruin your health, career, academic performance, relationships, and ultimately your whole life.

If your anxiety is causing problems in your life, it is high time you reached out for support and help.

The most common types of anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This includes excessive worrying about daily activities, which makes it difficult to navigate day-to-day life.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)

This type of anxiety is caused by any past traumatic experiences, such as a loss of a loved one, intense grief, etc., which causes flashbacks, nightmares, etc.

• Phobias

Phobias are unjustified fears of any random objects, places, or situations that cause the sufferer to avoid the source of this fear.

• Panic Disorder

This includes sudden episodes of strong fear with physical symptoms like shortness of breath and sweating.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This happens when you engage in repetitive behavior, such as constantly washing your hands or checking locks, to get rid of the constant anxious thoughts.

• Social Anxiety Disorder

It is when you feel intense fear of being judged while out in public. It also induces a feeling that no one likes you.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Stated below are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety. If you are facing these, it is advised to reach out for help.

• Excessive worrying
• Trouble falling asleep
• Irritable mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Headache and fatigue
• Academic performance is being affected
• Deteriorating social relations
• Career getting affected

Medication for Anxiety

Anxiety medications are usually prescribed to those who are suffering from moderate to severe anxiety. However, it should only be prescribed with proper care to avoid side effects or the person getting dependent on the medication permanently.

The main aim of anxiety treatment medication is to treat the symptoms while ensuring little to no side effects. Long-term anxiety treatment should focus on non-addictive medications whenever possible.

Now, medications used for anxiety prevention are generally not addictive and less sedating than acute anxiety medications, but they take longer to start showing effect.

However, they are a better long-term solution for anxiety. As they work on secondary messenger systems, they can prevent anxiety from recurring.

Unlike acute anxiety medications, which typically last for a few hours and are potentially addictive, they can cause rebound anxiety tolerance, dependence, and in the long term, worsening of anxiety.

These are some of the medications that a psychiatrist might prescribe to you after thorough testing and understanding your symptoms:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants because they show the least amount of side effects than other anxiety medications.

They increase the serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and relaxes anxious thoughts.

SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors):

This is another cluster of medications that is often prescribed for anxiety by anxiety specialists. SNRIs are often used for individuals who suffer from chronic pain and are also used off-label for ADHD.

SNRIs generally do not produce the weight gain or significant sexual side effects that a lot of SSRIs produce, so they are often a preferred choice over SSRIs.

Tricyclic Antidepressants:

TCAs were some of the first antidepressants developed to treat depression and are sometimes used when other anxiety medications fail.

Tricyclic antidepressants can be especially effective when treating treatment-resistant depression alongside anxiety.

Serotonin Modulators:

Serotonin modulators help block or stimulate the serotonin receptors in the brain. An anxiety specialist may prescribe these if patients do not respond well to SSRIs or other anxiety medications.

Atypical antidepressants:

Atypical antidepressants are excellent for those suffering from insomnia and anorexia, which is often associated with the symptoms of anxiety.

These can provide rapid relief of symptoms, and in some cases, would be preferred over SSRIs with individuals who experience panic attacks and more acute anxiety episodes.

Dopamine reuptake inhibitors:

Dopamine reuptake inhibitors have been used for depression and off-label for ADHD. They have sometimes been found to be useful for anxiety. They have no weight gain or sexual side effects.

Supplements for Anxiety

If you are in doubt about being on medication to cure anxiety or fear that you might get dependent on medications, then, taking supplements can be a good alternative for you.

As anxiety can often originate when the body is facing some deficiency, it can get better if you make sure the deficiency is addressed.

Some of the most common supplements for anxiety treatment are:

• Magnesium — Spinach, kale, banana, legumes, etc.
• Zinc — Pumpkin seeds, cashews, dairy, eggs, etc.
• Vitamin D — Fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolk, etc.
• Vitamin B6 — Chickpea, banana, poultry, etc.
• Omega-3 fatty acids — Fatty fish, chia seeds, hemp seeds, etc.
• Lavender — Can be infused with tea
• Passion flower — Can be infused with tea
• Ashwagandha — Can be mixed with milk, tea, etc.
• GABA — Brown rice, spinach, tomatoes, fermented food, etc.
• Rhodiola — Can be infused with tea

Although supplements for anxiety can usually be purchased over the counter, the dose needs to be higher than what people usually consume.

Hence, it is better to seek medical supervision when taking supplements for anxiety.

Some supplements for anxiety can cause tolerance and even dependence. Some may even cause toxicity when taken in overdose or if there is an underlying medical condition. Some supplements for anxiety can interfere with other prescription medications.

Supplements for anxiety can help alleviate and prevent relapse of symptoms after discontinuing medication. They are usually safe when taken under medical supervision.

So, do you need medication for anxiety? It all depends on how anxiety is affecting your life. If you see it interfering with your work, academics, relationships, etc., then yes, you need to consult with a trusted psychiatrist to get properly diagnosed and start taking medications to lead a better life.

For more information on anxiety and its treatment, visit: https://gabapsychiatrist.com/anxiety-treatment/

For anxiety help and treatment, you can reach out to GABA Telepsychiatry at: https://gabapsychiatrist.com/ or call at +1(833)312–4222