Anxiety

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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Anxiety is a condition that causes you to feel extremely worried or nervous. The feelings are so strong that they can cause problems with your daily activities or sleep. Anxiety may be triggered by something you fear, or it may happen without a cause. Family or work stress, smoking, caffeine, and alcohol can increase your risk for anxiety. Certain medicines or health conditions can also increase your risk. Anxiety can become a long-term condition if it is not managed or treated.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have chest pain, tightness, or heaviness that may spread to your shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back.
• You think about harming yourself or someone else.

Call your doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse or do not get better with treatment.
• Your anxiety keeps you from doing your regular daily activities.
• You have new symptoms since your last visit.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

The following resources are available at any time to help you, if needed:

• Contact a suicide prevention organization:
  • For the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
    • Call or text 988
    • Send a chat on https://988lifeline.org/chat
    • Call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
  • For the Suicide Hotline, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE)
• For a list of international numbers: https://save.org/find-help/international-resources/

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Anxiety or antidepressant medicine may help relieve or prevent anxiety. You may need to take the medicine for several weeks before you begin to feel better. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects or problems you have with your medicine. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

teaches you how to identify and change negative thought patterns.

Manage anxiety:

• Talk to someone about your anxiety. Your healthcare provider may suggest counseling. You might feel more comfortable talking with a friend or family member about your anxiety. Choose someone you know will be supportive and encouraging.
• Get regular physical activity. Physical activity can lower your stress, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that you enjoy.
• Create a regular sleep schedule. A routine can help you relax before bed. Listen to music, read, or do yoga. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Sleep is important for emotional health.
• Do activities you enjoy. Spend time with friends, or do something fun. Choose activities you are familiar with or comfortable doing. This may help prevent anxiety.
• Practice deep breathing. Deep breathing can help you relax when you feel anxious. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths several times a day, or during an anxiety attack. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Deep breathing combined with meditation or listening to music may help you feel calmer.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can increase anxiety. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
• Do not have caffeine. Caffeine can make your symptoms worse. Do not have foods or drinks that are meant to increase your energy level.
• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs. Alcohol and drugs can worsen anxiety or make it hard to manage. Talk to your therapist or healthcare provider if you need help to quit.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Xanax
• Ativan
• Lexapro
• BuSpar
• clonazepam

View more treatment options

Follow up with your therapist or doctor as directed:

Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress at follow-up visits. Your provider will also monitor your medicine if you take antidepressants and ask if the medicine is helping. Tell your provider about any side effects or problems you have with your medicine. The type or amount of medicine may need to be changed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For more information or support:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100
  Arlington , VA 22203
  Phone: 1- 703 - 524-7600
  Phone: 1- 800 - 950-6264
  Web Address: http://www.nami.org
  

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  PO Box 2345
  Rockville , MD 20847-2345
  Phone: 1- 800 - 988
  Web Address: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org OR https://988lifeline.org/chat/
  

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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