Which medications can help with anxiety and what side effects can be expected?
July 23, 2023 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Wilhelm Wunderlich
Dear Doctor,
My name is Anneliese Ziegler and I have been suffering from severe anxiety for some time now. These anxiety attacks mainly occur in stressful situations and significantly impact my daily life. I have already tried to combat them with relaxation techniques and psychological support, but the symptoms are still present.
As the anxiety is causing me a lot of distress and I am looking for a solution, I am wondering if there are medications that can help me. What medications are typically prescribed in such cases and how long does it take for them to take full effect? Furthermore, I am concerned about possible side effects of these medications. What unwanted effects can occur and how severe are they usually?
I am willing to undergo a medication treatment if it can help alleviate my fears. However, I want to be well informed and know in advance about all possible risks and benefits. Therefore, I would be very grateful if you could provide me with your expert opinion on this matter.
Thank you in advance for your support and guidance.
Sincerely,
Anneliese Ziegler
Dear Mrs. Ziegler,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe anxiety that is affecting your daily life. It is important that you take care of your health and seek solutions to manage your symptoms. In cases like this, medication can be a helpful option to reduce anxiety and improve your well-being.
Typically, medications from the group of benzodiazepines or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines such as Diazepam or Lorazepam can act quickly and alleviate acute anxiety, but should be taken only for a short period due to their potential for addiction. SSRIs like Sertraline or Escitalopram work more slowly, but have a stabilizing effect on mood in the long term and can also be used for anxiety disorders.
The effects of medications for anxiety can vary greatly from individual to individual. However, it typically takes a few weeks for the full effect to be achieved. It is important to be patient and take the medications regularly, even if improvement is not immediately apparent.
As for side effects, medications for anxiety can have various unwanted effects such as fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea, weight gain, or sexual dysfunction. However, not every patient reacts the same way to medications, and not all side effects occur in everyone. It is important to discuss possible side effects with your doctor and monitor them to adjust the treatment if necessary.
Before deciding on a medication treatment, I recommend seeking detailed advice from a psychiatrist or psychologist. Together, you can discuss the best therapy option for your specific situation and create an individualized treatment plan.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions. I wish you all the best on your path to recovery.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Wunderlich
