MEDICATIONS FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS

Medication can be very useful in treating anxiety disorders and is often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. The most important aspect of the process of beginning a medication is to have an open and honest discussion with your physician, followed by ongoing evaluation and monitoring.

• Medications Chart: A Quick Guide
  
• Discussing Medications With Your Doctor: What You Need to Know
  
• Side Effects
  
• For Parents: Anxiety Medications and Kids
  
• Patient-Assistance Programs for Prescription Drugs
  
• Find a Therapist

1. Medications may not resolve all of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. To achieve complete remission, which is the goal of any treatment, you may need to make important changes in your life. You may also benefit from individual or group psychotherapy treatment.
   
2. Medications will work only if they are taken according the explicit instructions of your physician.

• Let your doctor know all medications you are taking. This includes anything prescribed and over-the-counter, herbal or dietary supplements, and vitamins.
  
• When your doctor prescribes a new medication, make sure you get all of the information you need. How will the medication help you? What side effects might occur? Should you avoid any foods or drinks? Are there any possible drug interactions with your other prescriptions?
  
• Make sure you know when to take a new medication and how, such as on any empty stomach or with food, in the morning or evening, or how often.
  
• Find out how long it should take for the medication to start working and what you should expect when this happens.
  
• Ask what to do if you develop any side effects. Do you stop the medication? Should you call the doctor, and if so, what is an after-hours number?
  
• Your pharmacist is another great source of information on medications and over-the-counter products if you still have questions. He or she should be made aware of all your prescriptions to advise you properly about possible drug interactions, side effects, and instructions for use.
  

Side Effects
Although many patients do not experience any side effects of anxiety medications, the most commonly reported include the following:

• headaches
  
• nausea
  
• stomach upset
  
• dizziness
  
• sexual side effects

Most side effects are temporary, but some may be persistent and require a dosage adjustment or a change of medication. Rarely will medications prescribed for anxiety disorders require blood monitoring.

What should I do if I experience a side effect?

• Contact your physician, even if you are not sure a symptom is caused by a medication.
  
• Do not stop taking a medication without consulting the prescribing physician; abrupt discontinuation may cause other health risks.

Many patients are concerned about becoming addicted to medications. Those commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders do not cause addiction, although some (such as alprazolam, diazepam, and clonazepam) may be associated with dependency. Inform your physician if you have a history of substance abuse. Most patients can stop taking any medication safely under their doctor's supervision when the course of treatment is finished.

Patient-Assistance Programs for Prescription Drugs
Major pharmaceutical companies and states offer programs to help provide low-cost or no-cost medications to patients unable to afford their mental health medications; below are links to patient-assistance programs. Eligibility and application instructions vary by program and are subject to change.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Alliance4Aging, Inc.
Rx Outreach
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
NeedyMeds
Bridges to Access
Medicare-approved U Share™ Prescription Drug Discount Card program, sponsored by United HealthCare Insurance Company:
1-800-344-3095