Medication

Cognitive Behavioral approaches for Anxiety Disorders are generally as good or better in reducing anxiety and preventing relapse. Still most Americans have rarely heard of it and since many medical doctors do not have ready access to this approach, medication is often prescribed for anxiety disorders. Medication can be very helpful in alleviating (not curing) the symptoms of anxiety and making life more bearable.

There are two main classes of medication most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety: Tranquilizers (a class or grouping of Benzodiazepine based medicines like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium) and anti-depressants (like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Welbutrin). There are many, many more as well. The most recent research suggests that while Benzodiazepine medications work faster, there are many problems associated with their usage (including addiction and anxiety rebound when they are discontinued). In the long run the newer anti-depressants (called SSRI’s or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the better medication for anxiety.

While it is true that pills or medications do not teach skills, many people in this self help program may have taken these medications at some point in their lives. Some people prefer to both be on medication and enrolled in this self help program at the same time. That’s OK! Whatever works for you is what is best. You should always talk to your doctor before making the decision to get off of medication.