In this post Anxietyconnection.com featured writer Eileen Bailey explores the much mulled over question of whether or not anxiety medications are a good treatment option. Always looking for a fresh perspective Eileen was invited to AnxietyGuru.net to shed more light on this very important topic.

If your anxiety symptoms are interfering with your daily activities, it is probably time to reach out and seek treatment. But does that mean you must take medication? For some, medication is part of treatment. There are different medications available and they have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, however, medications do not cure anxiety. In addition, there are a number of different medications available and all have side effects. People react differently to medication, as well. While some people may do well on a certain type of antidepressant, another person may not be able to tolerate the medication.

All of these factors can make deciding on adding medication into your treatment plan difficult.

Your doctor is the first place to start when deciding if medication is right for you. You should discuss your concerns and ask about possible side effects as well as go over any current medications you are on to determine if there may be an interaction between medications. Sometimes, finding the right medication is a matter of trial and error. You won’t know whether a medication works until you try it and even then there is the matter of finding the correct dosage.

When discussing medication with your doctor, there are a number of questions you can ask to help you decide if this is the right course of treatment:

• What other treatments are available to help decrease the severity of your anxiety symptoms? (Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown effective in treating anxiety).

• Are there foods or beverages you will need to avoid while taking the medication?

• Does the severity of your anxiety symptoms warrant medication?

• Should you have cognitive behavioral therapy or another type of therapy in addition to medication?

• What are the most common side effects of the medication? What are danger signs you should be aware of?

• If you are currently taking other medication, will this medication interfere with its effectiveness?

• Will other illnesses, including psychiatric disorders, be impacted by this medication?

• Does the doctor expect you to be on the medication long term or will this be a short-term treatment? What factors will influence this?

• Will your insurance cover the medication? If so, can you afford the co-payment each month? If not, can you afford the medication each month?

• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding, will you be able to continue the medication?

Generally, doctors begin anxiety medications with a low dose and increase the dosage slowly, as needed to control symptoms. Many times this will also allow you to determine if the side effects are tolerable to you. Many medications for anxiety, especially antidepressants, however, require you to stay on the medication for a period of time before you begin to feel the results. This requires a commitment from you if you are to determine if a medication is effective.

In addition to antidepressants, some anxiety medications work immediately. If you are not sure if you want to take medication on a daily basis, talk with your doctor about this type of anxiety treatment.

Medications have helped many people. For some, the medication allows them to participate in activities their anxiety stopped them from. For others, medications help them to get more from therapy. Decide what you want medications to do for you. Medications do not cure anxiety, however, they may help some people to enjoy life more fully.

By Eileen Bailey

Feature Writer

AnxietyConnection.com

For more information on anxiety, visit AnxietyConnection.com

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