Never stop taking your medication unless your GP advises you to. This reduces the risk of withdrawal effects. When it's appropriate for you to stop taking your medication, your GP will reduce your dose slowly. If your medication isn't helping after about two months of treatment, talk to your GP. These side effects should improve over time but some side effects can persist.
They can take several weeks to start working. You'll start with a low dose and increase as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Like all antidepressants, you take SSRIs on a long-term basis. They increase the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant. The main medications for treating GAD are: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) They may be able to adjust your dose or prescribe an alternative medication. Tell your GP if you think you may be experiencing side effects from your medication. You should see your GP regularly while taking medication for GAD.
A trained therapist teaches the technique which alleviates anxiety and involves: It helps to counter the sense of 'tunnel vision' that may develop during anxiety.Īpplied relaxation focuses on relaxing your muscles in a particular way. It can reduce anxiety associated with the fear of actual situations or sensations. It allows you to acknowledge and accept certain feelings. Mindfulness focuses your awareness on the present moment. Mindfulness and applied relaxation are alternative types of psychological treatment. It helps you do things you would usually avoid. It frees you from unhelpful patterns of behaviour. The benefits may last longer than the benefits from medication.ĬBT helps you manage problems by thinking more positively. Cognitive Behavioural TherapyĬognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for GAD. Your GP will be happy to talk it through with you first, if you prefer. You can refer yourself to Primary Care Psychology. You may need more intensive therapy or medication if initial supports don't help. On these courses you and a few other people with similar problems meet with a therapist every week.
Anxiety medication that you take as needed professional#
A health professional will support you.Īnother option is going on a group course. This usually involves working from a book or computer programme. Your GP may suggest some educational resources about anxiety. With your GP, you can make a decision on the most suitable treatment. They will tell you about any possible risks or side effects. Your GP will discuss all the treatment options with you. There are different treatments available. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can be a long-term condition.