Properly taking medication can provide considerable relief for people who suffer from anxiety. However, it is not always as simple as taking a pill and instantly feeling better. It is important to find the right medication for you and to take it routinely in order to benefit from its effects on the brain. We have compiled some important information on starting anxiety medication, and what to expect in the process.
1. Anxiety Medication Usually Refers to SSRIs
What do we mean when we say “anxiety medication”? Some medications are taken for short-term treatment, providing quick relief during a bout of anxiety or panic attack. Keep in mind that most medications that provide “quick” relief for anxiety can cause drowsiness. Benzodiazepines fall into this category, such as Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium. These are only taken as needed, and not recommended for long-term anxiety relief as they can be habit-forming, or one can become addicted to them. Other medications like Vistaril or clonidine can be prescribed for daily use to treat anxiety and are not habit-forming medications. However, just like benzodiazepines they can cause drowsiness, so they are best taken at bedtime.
The most common first-line treatment for anxiety is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, known as an SSRI. These are what most people think of when discussing daily medication for chronic anxiety. SSRIs are commonly referred to as antidepressants, but they are also anti-anxiety medications. SSRIs are first-line treatments for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In this case, we will be referencing SSRIs specifically and what you need to know when beginning to take them.
2. Side effects
Most of our serotonin is in our head and our stomach, so that’s where most of the side effects take place when we take serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These side effects are most common in the first three to five weeks, as your body adjusts to the medication. During this time, common side effects include worsening mood, worsening anxiety, headaches, dizziness, and sleep disturbance. If you have suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please contact your prescriber or call 911. The effects on the stomach may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite changes. Usually, these side effects are only within the first few weeks and there are very few, if any, long-term side effects of SSRIs.
3. They Must be Taken Daily
It is important to note that SSRIs need to be taken daily. These medications take about three to five weeks to really come out to a steady state, even at the lowest dose. So if you have a hard time remembering, always set a timer in order to take these daily. Some are best taken at night, some are best taken in the morning, depending on which SSRI you’re taking. You should talk to your provider about the best time of day to take your medication. For example, Prozac is normally taken in the morning, because it’s more energizing and stimulating, while Fluvox usually can cause drowsiness and is better taken at night. Most SSRIs can be taken with or without food, just depending on how your body reacts. Some people need to take it with food in order to help reflux symptoms, while others need to take it without food to help with reflux symptoms.
4. They Should Be Taken for at Least 10 Months
How long should you expect to take them? Usually, if someone is put on an SSRI for anxiety or depression, they should try it for at least 10 months to a year before coming off of it, depending on their clinical situation. Again, you should talk to your provider about how long to take your medication, as they will know specific information about your medication and your particular case. SSRIs are taken anywhere from a year to lifelong. If you want to stop, you need to talk to your provider about stopping.
5. Talk to Your Provider Before You Stop Taking SSRIs
If you want to stop taking medication, you need to talk to your provider about stopping. These medications can have side effects if suddenly stopped, or if they are not stopped in the right way. You can have physical side effects including flu-like symptoms, headaches, and emotional side effects if not stopped properly. Make sure you talk to your prescriber about tapering you off slowly to help minimize these side effects.
If you are interested in exploring your options for anxiety medication, please contact me to request a visit.