Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide. When you’re struggling with it, it’s hard to feel like there’s any kind of silver lining. While it can affect everyone differently, anxiety often causes feelings of extreme worry. It can cause you to withdraw from people you love and activities you enjoy, and it can even impact your physical well-being. 

Thankfully, if there is a silver lining, it’s that anxiety is often very manageable with the right treatment. 

One of the most popular and effective ways of managing anxiety is with medication. But, if you’ve done even a little bit of research, you’ve likely found that there are dozens of options available. So, how does anxiety medication impact your mind, and does it actually work? 

How Does Anxiety Medication Work?

How anxiety medication works depends on the type you take. Some of the most popular options, for example, are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

SSRIs

SSRIs work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a mood booster that can also help you get the sleep your body needs. That’s not always easy when you’re dealing with anxiety on your own, and a lack of healthy sleep can make your symptoms worse. 

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are another type of anxiety medication. They work by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. This amino acid is responsible for slowing down brain activity. In people with anxiety, it can help you feel calm and more relaxed very quickly. 

Beta-Blockers

Some people with anxiety take beta-blockers as well. While beta-blockers are typically used as heart medication, they also help to block adrenaline. If your anxiety has taken a toll on your physical health, beta-blockers can make it easier to control those physical symptoms. 

Are There Risks?

Some people avoid medications for anxiety because they’re worried about potential risks. When you take any prescription medication, it’s important to understand the potential side effects. For example, benzodiazepines are known to cause drowsiness and can have other short-term effects. SSRIs can cause headaches, constipation, sleep issues, and more. 

It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any medication — especially something designed to impact the way the brain works. However, because there are so many types of anxiety medications on the market, most companies have taken great care to create products that are both safe and effective. 

Does Medication Actually Work?

The key to experiencing success with anxiety medication is to find one that meets your needs. Because there are so many brands and varieties available, working with your doctor or a mental health professional is essential. But, yes, many people have great results when it comes to symptom management by using medication. 

However, one of the best ways to truly manage anxiety is to rely on a combination of medication and therapy. 

Combining Medication and Therapy

Therapy can help you better understand the root cause of your anxious thoughts. That’s not always easy to do on your own. Once you know where your anxiety stems from, you can take active steps toward overcoming it. 

Therapy also helps with symptom management and can provide you with relaxation techniques that help you feel more in control. Medication is a great way to achieve a calmer, healthier state of mind so you can manage your symptoms more effectively. Therapy will teach you how to do that. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how anxiety medication works, or you’re ready to start therapy, don’t hesitate to contact me to set up an appointment for anxiety therapy. I’m happy to answer any questions and talk about medication options while we work through your anxious thoughts and learn how to manage your symptoms better.