The Comprehensive Guide to Anxiety Medications
Here’s your comprehensive guide on anxiety medication pros, cons, & side Anti-anxiety medications are highly stigmatized and misunderstood. Many people believe they can fully “cure” anxiety, while others may think they are too dangerous.
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Series Overview
What You Need to Consider Before Taking Anti-Anxiety Medication 12 Min
In this session, you’ll get a thorough explanation of anxiety from the perspective of a psychiatrist who’s on the front lines of mental health care every day. Dr. Dom breaks down the different diagnoses of anxiety (including panic attacks), when anxiety can actually be helpful, and when anxiety reaches unhealthy levels. Dr. Dom debunks the myths behind the medications available for anxiety, what to be aware of when it comes to addictions and antianxiety agents, and how to cope with anxiety and build resilience. He ends the session with key advice for mental health professionals prescribing anxiety—and how psychotherapy for anxiety may work in conjunction with medications.
Benzodiazepines: What You Need to Know 14 Min
Dr. Dom kicks off the session with an explanation of how and why benzodiazepines were initially chosen as a medication for anxiety. He walks through exactly what this medication activates in the brain and how that leads to reduced anxiety. He explains what types of anxiety benzodiazepines work for versus which types they’re NOT for. Additionally, he breaks down how long benzodiazepines take to work, what to know about side effects, what substances to avoid while taking them, and where benzodiazepines are limited compared to other anxiety medications. Finally, he shares what withdrawal looks like and how to correctly taper off this medication.
Antidepressants for Anxiety: What You Need to Know 14 Min
Why do antidepressants work for anxiety disorders? Dr. Dom answers this question and more in this session. He walks through exactly what this medication activates in the brain and how that leads to reduced anxiety. He explains what types of anxiety antidepressants work for versus which types they’re NOT for. Additionally, he breaks down how long antidepressants take to work, what to know about side effects, what substances to avoid while taking them, and where they may be limited compared to other anxiety medications. Finally, he shares what withdrawal looks like and how to correctly taper off this medication.
Antihistamines for Anxiety: What You Need to Know 8 Min
Antihistamines are commonly used for allergic reactions; but did you know they can help certain types of anxiety? Dr. Dom explains why they can ease symptoms of anxiety, both neurologically and behaviorally. He also walks through when and why he decides to prescribe an antihistamine versus another type of anxiety medication for any given patient. He shares who antihistamines are NOT for, and whether they’re safe for children. Additionally, he breaks down how long antihistamines take to work, what to know about side effects, what substances to avoid while taking them, and where they may be limited compared to other anxiety medications. Finally, he shares what withdrawal looks like and how to correctly taper off this medication.
Beta Blockers for Anxiety: What You Need to Know 11 Min
Beta blockers address anxiety symptoms in a completely different way than any other anxiety medication. They are commonly used to slow down the central nervous system and lower blood pressure. Dr. Dom explains why they can ease symptoms of anxiety (especially performance anxiety.) He shares who beta blockers are NOT for. Additionally, he breaks down how long they take to work, what to know about side effects (including “rebound hypertension”), what substances to avoid while taking them, and where they may be limited compared to other anxiety medications. Finally, he shares what withdrawal looks like and how to correctly taper off this medication.
Second Line Treatments: What You Need to Know 8 Min
If your doctor brings up one of these treatment options like SGAs, here's what you need to know ahead of time.
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About the Series
In reality, for certain patients and certain types of anxiety, these medications can be a highly effective—even life-changing—treatment when used in conjunction with therapy. It all comes down to the right diagnosis, because the right diagnosis will get you the right treatment.
Ensuring the right diagnosis begins with empowering yourself with a thorough understanding of each type of anxiety treatment available—which you’ll get in this series, from a world-renowned double board-certified psychiatrist.
Dr. Domenick Sportelli is an expert in prescribing anti-anxiety medication. He sees anxiety disorders every day in his psychiatric hospital work. In fact, he says it’s one of the top three issues he sees in the psychiatric ER—and he undergoes a comprehensive diagnostic process to determine whether an anti-anxiety medication is right for each individual patient’s needs when it comes to their anxiety.
In this series, he walks through each type of medication, the science of how they affect the brain, in what scenarios each medication is needed, and who this medication is NOT for.
The word “anxiety” can encompass a wide range of symptoms, and medication regimens will vary widely—-so it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of each type. This is your comprehensive guide to anti-anxiety medications.
Who is this series for?
For patients who are currently taking or considering taking medication(s) for anxiety.
For supporters, healthcare workers, and providers, who wish to learn more about antianxiety medications and how they work.
In this series, you’ll discover:
- A comprehensive breakdown of the purpose, side effects, and brand names of each type of anxiety medication: benzodiazepines, antihistamines, antidepressants, and beta blockers
- Which anxiety medications are addictive and what you should be aware of if they are
- A thorough understanding of Dr. Dom’s diagnostic and prescribing process
- The physical as well as psychological symptoms you should consider when it comes to each class of anxiety medication
- Who anti-anxiety medications are NOT for and how to tell if a certain medication is right for you or your loved one
- How psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with a prescription for anxiety
“There are so many different types and presentations of anxiety...and that WILL be treated differently. Different medications, perhaps different psychotherapies…[and with anxiety],you have to adapt and become resilient.”
Double Board Certified Psychiatrist, D.O.
Start Watching This Series Now!
You can get free access to all 6 segments of this video series when you become a MedCircle Member. You’ll also get access to every video series from the MedCircle doctors.
