Does Anxiety Go Away With Medication? 11 Effective Anxiety Drugs Actions in the Body

Does anxiety go away with medication?

When you’re struggling with anxiety, it can feel like it will never end. You might wonder if this is how you’ll feel forever or if things will get better in time. When it comes to managing your anxiety, medication is one of the most common treatments. But does that mean that your anxiety goes away? Does your medication make you not have anxiety anymore?

Let’s take a look at how meditation helps with anxiety, and what it doesn’t do for you. Anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines can help reduce the physical sensations of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, weakness, and shortness of breath.

They are also effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. However, they don’t actually treat the cause of your anxiety disorders. In other words, these drugs won’t stop you from feeling anxious in general — only when you take them.

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Does Anxiety Go Away With Medication?

Drugs do not cure anxiety but they help in managing the symptoms which help in improving the quality of life by ensuring that you can carry out your daily functions as required. You can combine psychotherapy, medications, and self-care in the treatment of anxiety for the best results.

Anxiety is a condition that can be treated with medication, but whether or not it goes away entirely depends on the individual and the severity of their anxiety. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines can be effective in managing symptoms of anxiety. These medications work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with anxiety.

While medication can be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to note that it is not a cure. Some individuals may find that their anxiety goes away entirely with medication, while others may find that they still experience symptoms even with treatment.

Additionally, some individuals may experience side effects from medication that can be unpleasant. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for you, as well as to discuss any concerns or side effects that you may experience. In some cases, therapy in addition to medication may be necessary to effectively manage anxiety.

How long does anxiety go away with medication?

The length of time it takes for anxiety medications to work can vary depending on the type of medication and the individual. Generally, it can take a few weeks or even a few months for medications to fully take effect. It is important to follow the recommended dosages and instructions from a healthcare provider and to not stop taking the medication without consulting them first. Here is a table that outlines how these medications work and the period it takes for them to work:

Medication TypeHow it WorksTime to Take Effect
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Increase levels of serotonin in the brain2-6 weeks
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain2-4 weeks
BenzodiazepinesEnhance the effects of GABA neurotransmitters30 minutes to 1 hour
Beta-blockersBlock the effects of adrenaline and norepinephrine30 minutes to 1 hour
AnticonvulsantsStabilize electrical activity in the brain2-4 weeks
BuspironeEnhance the effects of serotonin and dopamine2-4 weeks
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Increase levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine2-4 weeks
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)Increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in brain2-6 weeks
Alpha-blockers (alpha-adrenergic antagonists)Block the effects of norepinephrine30 minutes to 1 hour
GABAergic medicationsEnhance the effects of GABA neurotransmitters2-6 weeks
AnxiolyticsEnhance the effects of GABA neurotransmitters30 minutes to 1 hour

It is important to note that these timeframes are general estimates and may vary from person to person. It is also important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best medication and dosage for individual needs.

What Does Anxiety Medication Do?

There are several anxiety medications, that use different modes of action to treat anxiety and improve the quality of life. Benzodiazepines are not the only type of medication that can help with your anxiety, there are also beta-blockers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), anxiolytics, and tricyclic antidepressants among others. Most anxiety medications either reduce the effects or enhance the effects of neurotransmitters (also known as brain chemicals) in the brain and body organs.

Keep in mind that all these drugs come with their own set of side effects. As you choose a drug to manage your symptoms, talk to your doctor about the type of drug and its possible side effects.

You might be wondering if the medication is right for you. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to anxiety medications.

Your doctor will evaluate any other medications or supplements you might be taking, including caffeine and alcohol, before prescribing a new medication for you. You also want to make sure that you’re taking the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time possible.

If after three months on the medication, your symptoms haven’t improved, ask your doctor for different options as well as non-medication treatment options like therapy or self-help books.

How Medication Helps With Anxiety?

Medication that Helps With Anxiety

There are many different types of anxiety medications that can help with anxiety. Benzodiazepines, which are often used for short periods of time, are a common type of medicine. They can be prescribed by your doctor and used to treat certain forms of anxiety disorders.

However, there are also other kinds of drugs that your doctor may prescribe such as antidepressants or drug therapies. The key is finding the right medication that will work best for you and your symptoms.

If one medication isn’t working then it’s important to speak up with your doctor about what else you could try. Everyone’s different and what works for one person might not work for another.

Benzodiazepines

Help With Anxiety, But Don’t Cure the Disease If you have an anxiety disorder, it can feel like your life is put on hold. You don’t know when you’ll be able to go out in public, leave the house, or sleep through the night. Your days are riddled with constant worry and fear of what might happen next.

This kind of anxiety can take a toll on all aspects of your life, so it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. Benzodiazepines can help reduce the physical sensations of anxiety such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, weakness, and shortness of breath.

They are also effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. However, they don’t actually treat the cause of your anxiety disorders — they only work to calm you down when you take them.

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These medications have been shown to reduce symptoms in 75-90% of people who use them for these disorders.

In most cases, benzodiazepines should be used alongside other behavioral therapies that have been proven to help manage anxiety disorders such as cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy. Benzodiazepines should not be used for longer than 4 weeks without a doctor’s supervision because they can become addicting and lead to withdrawal symptoms when ceased.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs for anxiety

SSRIs are typically used to treat depression, but they can also be used as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. SSRIs like Prozac, Lexapro, and Paxil work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed by brain cells. The common ones include:

  • citalopram (Celexa)
  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
  • sertraline (Zoloft)

This leads to a surplus of serotonin in the brain, which is what makes you feel less anxious. But SSRIs don’t just make you feel less anxious — they actually change your brain chemistry. SSRI medications are not designed to quickly relieve your symptoms and make them go away like benzodiazepines do.

However, SSRIs take time to work their magic mostly between 2 to 6 weeks because they need at least two weeks before you notice any significant improvement in your symptoms. As with benzodiazepines, SSRIs don’t cure your anxiety or make it go away once you stop taking them.

You will usually need to keep taking these types of medications every day for months or even years before the benefits of the medication outweigh the side effects and risks. Many people think that anxiety goes away with medication, but this isn’t always true.

In fact, many people who take benzodiazepines or SSRIs continue to experience symptoms of their disease throughout their treatment. It’s important to remember that medications will not fix the root cause of your anxiety disorder — they will only help you manage it better while making other treatments more effective in the process!

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

There are also medications known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that are sometimes prescribed for anxiety. They work by increasing the levels of these two brain chemicals in order to lessen anxiety symptoms. Some of the common SNRIs are:

  • duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

Many people who take these drugs find that their symptoms improve after a few months, but they don’t experience relief right away. It’s important to remember that when you take medication, it doesn’t mean you will no longer feel anxious or that your anxiety will go away.

However, medication can help reduce the physical symptoms of your anxiety, which in turn can make you feel better emotionally.

Beta-blockers for anxiety

Some medications that are often prescribed for anxiety are beta-blockers. Beta-blockers can be used to help manage anxiety symptoms by helping reduce hormone production. This lowers your heart rate, which can lower the intensity of some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The common Beta-blockers for anxiety are:

  • atenolol (Tenormin) and
  • propranolol (Inderal).

In general, beta-blockers are not considered a long-term treatment for anxiety disorders because they don’t help with the root cause of your anxiety. They are usually only recommended if you have an ongoing serious health condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease and you also suffer from an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety can be managed without medication, but it may require a combination of treatment methods including therapy and lifestyle changes to get better. If you’re interested in exploring other ways to deal with your anxiety, speak with your doctor about what treatments may work best for you.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

The monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a type of medication that is most often used to treat depression. They are also sometimes prescribed as an anxiety medication, though they’re not very effective at treating anxiety.

MAOIs work by preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters. This then leads to a buildup of serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Some of the common MAOIs include:

  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • selegiline (Emsam)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Alpha-blockers (also called alpha-adrenergic antagonists)

One type of anxiety medication that doesn’t treat the cause of your anxiety is an alpha-blocker. Alpha-blockers are drugs that suppress the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and reduce physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, weakness, and shortness of breath.

They can help with panic attacks as well but they don’t actually treat your disorder. Alpha-blockers may be prescribed for those suffering from high blood pressure or prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Alpha-blockers work by blocking alpha receptors in the walls of blood vessels, which decreases the amount of adrenaline released into these areas. The effect is to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

In this way, alpha-blockers help to decrease anxiety symptoms because they have a calming effect on the body.

Tri-cyclic antidepressants

Tri-cyclic antidepressants are antidepressants that also help in managing anxiety disorders. These medications work by affecting the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain. This can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart or shortness of breath.

However, they do come with side effects. The main drawback to tri-cyclic antidepressants is that they take time to start working. It takes an average of 2 weeks for them to show any effect at all on your symptoms.

And it can take up to 6 weeks for tri-cyclic antidepressants to fully take effect. If you have severe anxiety, waiting 2-6 more weeks before you feel relief can be difficult.

They include:

  • amitriptyline (Elavil)
  • imipramine (Tofranil)
  • nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are a class of medications that were originally developed to treat seizures but have also been found to be effective in treating various types of anxiety disorders. These medications work by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain, which can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Anticonvulsants are used to treat several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. They are also used to treat other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain.

The time it takes for anticonvulsants to work can vary depending on the specific medication and individual. Generally, it can take 2-4 weeks for the full effects of these medications to be felt. Some common anticonvulsant medications used to treat anxiety include pregabalin (Lyrica), gabapentin (Neurontin), and valproic acid (Depakote).

It is important to note that like any medication, anticonvulsants can come with potential side effects. Some common side effects of these medications include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and weight gain. Additionally, anticonvulsants can interact with other medications, so it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for individual needs and to monitor for any potential side effects or complications.

They work by suppressing nerve impulses in the brain so that you can relax. These drugs are often prescribed for people with more severe forms of anxiety disorders. However, these medications work best when taken consistently and as prescribed by a doctor.

GABAergic medications

For some people with anxiety disorders, medications that help build the neurotransmitter called GABA can be effective. These medications block nerve signals in your brain to reduce overactivity and prevent anxiety attacks. Some of these drugs include barbiturates (phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin), and Quaaludes.Some of the non-benzodiazepine medications include zolpidem (Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonata) for insomnia.

GABAergic medications are a class of drugs that enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate brain activity and reduce anxiety. GABAergic medications work by increasing the amount of GABA available in the brain or enhancing the activity of existing GABA.

GABAergic medications are used to treat various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. They can also be used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, and other conditions that involve overactivity in the brain.

The time it takes for GABAergic medications to work can vary depending on the specific medication and individual. Generally, it can take 2-6 weeks for the full effects of these medications to be felt. While GABAergic medications can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, they also come with risks of dependence and addiction, as well as potential side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for individual needs and to monitor for any potential side effects or complications.

Anxiolytics

A Form of Anxiety Medication Anxiolytics, medications used for the treatment of anxiety, fall into two categories- benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are drugs that work by decreasing nerve impulses from the brain to the body to alleviate physical symptoms.

The most common benzodiazepine is alprazolam. Nonbenzodiazepines are newer medications that have fewer side effects on the body than benzodiazepines. They work by affecting chemicals in the brain that diminish anxiety and prevent panic attacks.

Other anxiolytics include buspirone. The medication is one of the most effective medications for anxiety which also comes with the least number and episodes of side effects.

What Medication Doesn’t Do For You

So, does medication make you not have anxiety anymore? No, it doesn’t. You still need to work on your anxiety and tackle the underlying causes of your symptoms.

Your doctor will most likely prescribe a benzodiazepine for short-term relief, but you’ll need to continue taking your medication indefinitely. Some doctors might also suggest that you talk to a therapist or participate in group therapy sessions more often if anxiety is an ongoing issue for you.

Medication might be necessary in the short term, but in order to get long-term relief from your symptoms, you’ll need to work on them too.

Side Effects Of Anxiety Medication

When people first start taking benzodiazepines, they might experience a range of side effects such as sleepiness, confusion, low sex drive, and disorientation. These side effects are the result of your body adjusting to the medication — over time you’ll develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning you won’t experience these same side effects.

All anxiety medications have side effects and adverse effects that happen when you start taking the medication. In most instances, these side effects go away after your body is able to tolerate the medication. However, in some people, the side effects may persist leading the doctor to adjust the dosage, change the medication, or combine it with other medications/ therapy techniques.

However, when you stop taking the anxiety medications like Benzos for even one day, withdrawal symptoms may occur. These symptoms can include agitation, tremors, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts.

Benzodiazepines should be taken only in short-term cases while other more permanent solutions are pursued.

If you want to achieve long-term relief from anxiety disorders without medication there are many other options available to you. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches practical strategies that can be used anytime by anyone with or without an anxiety disorder.

Other ways to manage anxiety

Psychotherapy to treat Agoraphobia and other anxiety disorders

Anxiety can be a difficult condition to manage, so it’s important to find the right balance of medication for you. The first step is to talk to your physician about what type of anxiety you’re experiencing and what kind of treatment may be best for you.

You don’t have to rely on medications alone — there are many other ways that you can help manage your anxiety. Some people feel better when they use a combination of these treatments.

  • Counseling: Counselling will teach you how to identify and manage your triggers, which in turn can help reduce the intensity of your anxiety.
  • CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of treatment that has been shown to be very effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, and social phobia.
  • Exercises: Exercise is another great way to reduce stress and burn off some energy. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises (like mindfulness), or tai chi are all different types of exercise that could help with any physical or mental health issues you might be experiencing.
  • Yoga: Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on union with the divine through self-discipline and control over thoughts and actions, as well as external postures. Many yoga classes have been tailored specifically for people with anxiety conditions such as TMS or PTSD.
  • Meditation: Meditation is a practice where an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness by practicing a specific technique – such as focusing their

Best medication for anxiety and depression

Different medications are prescribed for different anxiety disorders. In general, the best medication for anxiety will be a type of benzodiazepine or SSRI.

It’s important that you work with your doctor to find the right medication for you because there are many different types, and some might react differently in your body than others.

Some people report side effects, like drowsiness or impaired coordination, which can be dangerous if driving. Others might not respond well to certain drugs because of genetic factors or other medical conditions.

There isn’t one single miracle drug that cures all mental health disorders, but it is possible to find a treatment that works for you. Figuring out the root cause of your anxiety can help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you do opt for medication as part of your treatment plan, make sure to talk things through with your doctor before starting a new prescription so you can weigh the pros and cons of taking drugs in addition to therapy and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

What are the top 10 medications for anxiety?

The top 10 medications for anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, azaspirodecanediones (doxepin), antipsychotic medications, antihistamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), alpha-blockers, and beta-blockers. Other anxiolytics include buspirone. The medication is one of the most effective medications for anxiety which also comes with the least number and episodes of side effects.

SSRIs are a type of antidepressant that help improve symptoms of depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. They can also be used to treat certain anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder.

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that is most often used to treat anxiety disorders. These drugs work by binding to the brain’s receptors and producing a calming effect. They can be addictive when used long-term or in high doses, which is why they should only be taken under the supervision of a physician.

Alpha-blockers work by blocking nerve impulses from the sympathetic nervous system and reducing blood pressure. Beta-blockers work by blocking nerve impulses from the sympathetic nervous system or slowing down your heart rate.

MAOIs are antidepressants that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin. This helps reduce symptoms of depression because these neurotransmitters have been shown to affect mood regulation in humans.

Natural anxiety medication

The other type of anxiety medication is known as anxiolytics. These drugs will affect how you feel when you’re not taking them, unlike benzodiazepines. There are many different types of anxiolytics available, including antidepressants and beta-blockers.

While there are plenty of medications to choose from for your anxiety, it’s important to know that there are natural methods too.

Kava, passionflower, valerian, chamomile or lavender tea, lemon balm, or the oil extracted from these herbs can all have calming effects without the side effects or risk of addiction often associated with other treatments.

So yes, anxiety does go away with medication — but that doesn’t mean it goes away forever. The most effective way to treat anxiety is by using a combination of medication and therapy. Not only does this help reduce the number and intensity of panic attacks but it also helps you learn skills for managing your symptoms on your own in a non-medicated state.

Conclusion

Anxiety medications can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety for a period of time. However, these drugs are not a long-term solution because they only provide temporary relief and don’t treat the cause of your anxiety.

In order to address your anxiety disorder and reduce your symptoms, it’s important to take other steps such as practicing mindfulness or cognitive therapy. These will teach you coping skills that can be used when you experience periods of intense anxiety.

So what should you do if you’re struggling with anxiety? There are several treatment options for anxiety, including medication. However, medication will not stop you from feeling anxious in general. Sometimes your anxiety may go away without any treatment at all. Other times, it may get worse with time. This is why it’s important to be educated about the different treatments and find the right one for you.

FAQs

Can anxiety go away with medication?

No, anxiety does not go away with medication thus medications do not cure anxiety. It lessens the symptoms of anxiety such as panic attacks and rapid heartbeat, but it doesn’t make you not anxious anymore

Will my anxiety go away with medication?

Your anxiety may be lessened with medication, but it won’t disappear completely. Medication is not a cure for your anxiety disorders; it simply helps reduce the severity of its symptoms.

How long do I need to take the meds before I feel better?

You will start feeling better either immediately or after a few weeks if your initial dosage of medicine is strong enough to reduce your symptoms and you are taking it consistently each day at the same time. With these things in place, you can start feeling better within one week or so, or even sooner depending on how severe your symptoms were when you started treatment and how quickly they respond to this new treatment regimen.

How long will I be on medication?

It’s difficult to give an answer as it largely depends on the individual. Anxiety disorders have a wide range of severity and can range from 6 months to 3 years. On average, people are likely to go on medication for around 10-14 months.

What will happen if I stop my medication?

It is not recommended that you stop taking your medication suddenly. Your doctor should tell you how to gradually reduce the dose so that your body has time to adjust. If you do decide to stop your medication, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, headache, nausea, and trouble concentrating.

Are there any side effects from the anxiety medication?

Some side effects of anxiety medications include dry mouth, stomach upset or pain, blurry vision, and diarrhea.

Dr. David Barlow

David is a well-known researcher and author in the anxiety disorders area with extensive research on their etiology, nature, and treatment. He started the site to share his real-life experiences on the management of anxiety disorders with successful diagnosis and treatment being his motivation to write or review the content on this site.