Starting Anxiety Medication? Here’s What to Expect

Starting an anxiety medication should not cause more anxiety in a patient. However, knowing what an anxiety attack is and what an anxiety disorder is and what to expect when starting anxiety medication, can make the process less scary and help patients cope. the best possible treatment results.

7 Considerations When Starting Anxiety Medication

1. Don’t despair if you don’t get the results you want right away. Some anxiety medications can take up to eight weeks before a patient really starts to see results. Be patient and stay in touch with your health care providers until you achieve positive results.
2. Medicines are metabolized differently in each person’s body. As a result, patient outcomes with different anxiety medications vary. Sometimes it takes a trial of several different types of drugs or combinations of drugs, in addition to therapy, before a patient experiences the desired treatment results.
3. Different anxiety medications have different side effects. Potential side effects of anxiety medications include nausea, anxiety, nervousness, decreased libido, insomnia, drowsiness, weight fluctuations, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion. and even worsening anxiety. Side effects depend on the type of anxiety medication your doctor prescribes. Before starting a new medication, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects and what you should do if you notice any unusual changes after starting your new medication.
4. Side effects from certain anxiety medications may force you to limit other activities. Talk to your doctor about medication side effects. Consider whether or not you need to drive or operate equipment for work and how your lifestyle may change as a result of the potential effects.
5. You should also ask your doctor and pharmacist about potential drug reactions or interactions with other medications or supplements you are taking. Bring a complete list of everything you use from other prescription and over-the-counter medications to vitamins and natural supplements.
6. A serious side effect of anxiety medications is that they can sometimes worsen anxiety symptoms, doing the opposite of what was intended. When starting a new medication, be especially vigilant about your emotions. Tell a trusted friend or relative about your new treatment, and ask that they also pay attention to your behavior for the first few weeks.
7. Patients can become resistant to anxiety medications, meaning an increase in dosage may be necessary after using a particular medication for a long time. Even if you’re feeling better, it’s important to stay in touch with your doctor and check in with your own feelings regularly.
8. When starting an anxiety medication, you should have an open conversation with your doctor about the potential for addiction. Some anxiety medications are considered highly addictive. Be honest with your doctor, if you have a history or family history of substance abuse.
9. Although some individuals can stay on anxiety medication for long periods of time, these medications are most effective when used as short-term treatment tools. Patients experience the most favorable results when participating in a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, self-help and personal care techniques.

When starting any new medication, it is very important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Following your prescription instructions and making sure to never miss a dose will ensure that your new medication has the best chance of working as intended. Also, here are some best practices for learning how to take anxiety disorder medication.