Is it better to tough it out, or take the medication when feeling anxiety?

Question

If you have an anxiety attack and you have a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication (as needed), is it best to try to tough it out without the medication, or is it best to take medication?

Answer 1

I am in the same situation and I choose to take the meds as needed. I have three kids and an anxiety attack can lead to strokes and heart attacks. No way am I missing out on my kids.

Answer 2

Yoga. Really. Cognitive behavioral therapy too. Both will give you control over your anxiety, reduce your health risks, and make you feel like you should without the unwanted side effects of medication. Good old benadryl, taken as prescribed works fine, but will make you drowsy. Progressive relaxation, sleep tapes, etc. are all good. Yoga can change your life. You need the skills to get the control over your body and then you won't need meds again. Make sure you are taking a good multi-vitamin with B-complex vitamins, getting 8 hours of sleep on a regular schedule, eating consistently, and taking care of yourself. Get out and walk or do some vigorous exercise at least 30 minutes a day to unload the stress so that it can't rev you up and make you ill. There is a lot of info out there and a lot of ways to go about feeling better, and these are the tactics that really work and work forever. Take the time for you and do it. Really.

Answer 3

general rule of thumb: take the medication, unless you suspect you're overdoing it. But, generally, take it. People who tell you otherwise are usually people who don't suffer anxiety, and are probably suspicious of medications for things like this. I have long had a fear of flying, but I've taken anti-anxiety medications on every trip for two years now. The last time I flew (a month ago), I was surprised to find I didn't need take the medication- the anxiety was gone. Don't be a hero. Be kind to yourself. Don't put yourself through torture just because of what other people might think. Life is too short to spend having panic attacks. Just take the pill.

Answer 4

For attacks I feel toughing it out, for generalized anxiety maybe medication is better. If you have had an attack before and you realize that you need to change your breathing and that this too shall pass, then go ahead and keep talking yourself out of them. If they are out of control and are significantly interfering with your life, then maybe meds. As a general rule if you can make it without the meds, do it. But some people can't so don't feel less of a person if you are one of them OK? Hope this helps and take care OK?

Answer 5

I always try to tough it out, but sometimes the anxiety attack is so overwhelming that you can't do it. It's better to take your medication when you can't fight the anxiety anymore.There is no need for you to suffer more than you can handle. That's why the medication is always the best thing to do in that situation.

Answer 6

I too suffer from clinical anxiety I have been prescribed medication in the past but never took it instead I joined a group where we discussed our anxiety identified our "suds levels" and used other techniques like breathing and re-focus. I found the group to be very helpful, but stopped going because my anxiety became worse as I worried about my husband's and daughter's trip to and from the clinic to drop me off. I am a believer in medication however if there is no other form of help being used.

Answer 7

Who's to say what's best. There is so much about anxiety that even psychiatrists do not know. Do what works for you. I would personally try to hold off on medication, but if you feel terrible, what else can you do? Have you looked into Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? Do you have a phobia or do your panic attacks just occur spontaneously for no apparent reason?

Answer 8

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 9

It really depends on the intensity of your anxiety attack. Personally, my anxiety is 24/7, and if I don't take my Ativan as prescribed, well lets just say it's not a pretty picture. Perhaps at your next med check with the prescribing doctor, you can discuss your circumstances. Best of luck to you!!

Answer 10

You need to get the book - "the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" - will change your life. I chose to not take meds and learned that its not a life sentence. Havnt had a problem - have my moments but they can be overcome without meds. The NUMBER ONE thing that helped was to understand that its NOT a disorder or mental problem. Just your body reacting to something. You have to figure that out and it not always mental - could me something as simple as diet and excercise.