Anxiety Medications

At Bristol Health, we understand the multifaceted nature of mental health conditions. We offer medication management services for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety.

Anxiety medications, also known as anxiolytics, work by reducing the symptoms of anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system. They help to alleviate feelings of worry, fear, and tension by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect.

Common anxiety medications include benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, and non-benzodiazepines, like Buspirone.

Patients may need to take anxiety medication daily, or they may be as needed. Your mental health medication provider will discuss your dosage details, which will be customized based on your condition.

Medications are effective in providing short-term relief from anxiety symptoms. They are typically prescribed for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder.

However, they are not a long-term solution and are likely to be used in conjunction with therapy or other treatments.

While anxiety medications can effectively manage anxiety symptoms, it is essential to understand the potential side effects that may accompany these drugs. 

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Ativan, can cause various side effects, including drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and unsteadiness. Long-term use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

The risk of these side effects increases with age and in combination with certain other medications.

Non-Benzodiazepines

Non-benzodiazepines, such as Buspirone, carry their own set of potential side effects. These can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and feelings of nervousness.

In some cases, these medications may cause changes in mood or behavior. It's important to note that side effects vary between individuals and medications.

Some people experience minimal side effects, while others find them more pronounced.  

When it comes to managing your anxiety, understanding the potential interactions of your medications is crucial. Anxiety medications can interact with other drugs you might be taking, leading to decreased effectiveness or increased side effects.

Moreover, medical conditions such as chronic liver or kidney disease may affect how your body processes these medications, altering their effectiveness and potentially leading to toxicity.

To avoid these potential interactions, it's important to provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. 

While medication can be an important tool in managing anxiety, it's often most effective when used in conjunction with therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, has been shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders.

CBT helps you understand and change thought patterns that lead to harmful behaviors or emotional distress. By identifying the underlying fears and misconceptions causing your anxiety, CBT can help you develop healthier and more effective coping strategies.

When combined with medication, CBT can provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Medication can help manage your immediate symptoms, while therapy can equip you with the skills you need to handle anxiety in the long term.

Remember, everyone's experience with anxiety is different. Your treatment plan should be personalized to fit your specific needs and circumstances.

Anxiety medications can play a vital role in helping patients manage their anxiety disorder.

At Bristol Health, we are committed to providing personalized medication management services to help you achieve the best possible results.

If you or a loved one could benefit from these services, please get in touch with us at (801) 903-5903 or request an appointment online to learn how we can assist you with medication management in Utah County.