Anxiety can be a normal experience triggered by stressful events that can easily be controlled or reduced without treatment interventions; but for some, anxiety becomes unmanageable and medications or therapeutic interventions are necessary to reduce the symptoms. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, or ADAA, the use of medication is a commonly applied and effective technique in treating anxiety, but it is generally used in combination with some form of psychotherapy. Anxiety medications are generally safe, but any health concerns should be discussed with a doctor.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a psychiatrist. Prepare for the appointment; make notes of questions you want to talk with the physician about or experiences you want to discuss. Attend the appointment.
Step 2
Inform the physician, during the appointment, about the symptoms you have been experiencing, such as constant worry, tension headaches, sweating and increased heart rate. Discuss with her how often you feel anxious. Tell the physician about situations that may trigger you anxiety.
Step 3
Ask the physician for a medication to help reduce your levels of anxiety. The physician will help determine what type of anxiety medications will be most effective treatment, based on the symptoms you have discussed with him. According to the ADAA, benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety for short periods of time and they are quick and effective at relaxing a person--while drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective at reducing anxiety, but take weeks to become effective. Take the prescribed medication as instructed by your physician.
Step 4
Educate yourself on the potential side effects of the drug you are taking. Notice if you are experiencing any of the side effects. Bring any side effects or concerns to the attention of your prescribing physician immediately.
Step 5
Determine if the medication is working to reduce your symptoms of anxiety. All anxiety medications to do not work the same way for all people, and you may have to try a couple of different medications or dosage levels before you find the one that reduces or eliminates your symptoms, notes HelpGuide.org. Be patient and allow the drug the necessary time to become effective. This can range from several days to weeks, depending on the drug. If the drug has not reduced your level of anxiety over a time frame agree upon with your physician, bring it to her attention. Follow her recommendations for a new medication or dosage until you find the one that works.
Step 6
Avoid reducing or discontinuing the use of your medication on your own. Consult with your physician if you want to stop taking a medication or change the dosage.
Step 7
Involve yourself in therapy. According to HelpGuide.org, taking a medication to treat your anxiety will help keep your symptoms at bay, but without behavioral interventions and therapeutic techniques, you will not learn how to deal with and cope with anxiety effectively--thus, never fixing the problem. Attend therapy sessions. Work with your therapist to learn effective ways to deal with anxiety. Let your therapist educate you on anxiety. Practice applying what you learned in therapy in your everyday life.
