Medications For Anxiety

Even though anxiety is common, there are some people that have trouble handling it and feel anxious most of their day. If your anxiety gets to that point, you may need to talk to your doctor, who may recommend a medication. 

Anxiety medications can help you get back to living a normal life, calming you down, keeping you focused, and helping you get a good night’s rest. Below, we’ll share common medications for anxiety your doctor may prescribe and some natural alternatives. 

Common Medications for Anxiety

Depending on the type of anxiety you suffer from and the symptoms you experience, your doctor may choose to prescribe different medications. Common medications for anxiety are listed below. 

Benzodiazepines 

More commonly known as sedatives, these medications will help to relax your tensions and help you melt your stress away. It targets the neurotransmitters, regulating chemical signaling that is passed between your brain and your nervous system.  

Common Side Effects: Because your body is relaxed, you could experience symptoms like drowsiness and confusion. In some cases, you could also experience blurry vision and depression. 

Buspirone 

Buspirone works by regulating the release of certain hormones, affecting the mood. It could take weeks or months to see the effects of this medication, making it one that is better for long-term anxiety solutions. 

Common Side Effects: In some patients, dizziness, nausea, and headaches were reported. At this time, there are not efficient studies to verify the effects. 

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are not only for anxiety but for anyone that is experiencing depression or sadness. Doctors prescribe them in the treatment of anxiety due to the fact that they boost the mood and help to balance the release of certain hormones. There are many types of antidepressants, including: 

• Beta-blockers
• SSRIs
• Tricyclics
• MAOIs

Depending on your specific case, your medical doctor will prescribe one or another. Each has its own set of side effects and will affect your anxiety differently. 

Common Side Effects: While it depends on the type, most antidepressants are known to cause dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. 

Alternatives to Medications for Anxiety

While medication has an effect in some cases, there are other cases where natural alternatives can work as well. Always consult your doctor if you’re experiencing severe symptoms of anxiety, making sure that you get the proper care you need. A few things you can try to combat your anxiety include: 

Meditation 

Sometimes taking a break to sit, think, and live in the present is enough to melt stress away. Try and practice a few minutes a day or at least three times a week. 

Yoga

Yoga has a way of calming the body down by connecting the body with movement. This purposeful movement can calm the mind and body, making you feel more at ease. 

Friends 

A lot of times, talking it out is a good way to combat anxiety. Create fun social events and bring your friends along to get it off your chest and realize your feelings are normal.