Should You Take Anxiety Medication? Assessing Your Needs and Concerns

How to determine if you should take anti-anxiety medication?

I have always been a person who is easily nervous and anxious.
My current profession is a teacher.
In my first year after entering the workforce, I struggled with my abilities and did not perform well in many tasks, which affected my colleagues and strained my relationships with them.
Due to my situation, my doctor prescribed me serotonin medication to help alleviate my anxiety.
I was also given some as-needed medication (which I believe is a benzodiazepine) for when I need it.
I have been diligent about taking the serotonin medication.
However, I feel uncertain about the benzodiazepine—how do I determine the appropriate level of anxiety that justifies taking it? I think that in terms of "physiological effects" or "psychological effects," compared to those who truly suffer from anxiety disorders, I seem to have relatively little (P.S.
Although I sometimes feel a bit nauseous and want to vomit, I think it's manageable).
However, it does affect my work performance to some extent (for example, I tend to stutter noticeably and become clumsy).
I'm unsure if my situation warrants taking the medication.
I worry about potentially misusing it or overreacting.
Should the decision to take anti-anxiety medication be based on the severity of symptoms or the impact on work performance?

Xiao En, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/29

Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry

Hello.
If we view psychiatric medications (especially the stigmatized benzodiazepines used for sedation, sleep, and relaxation) as just a common tool to help improve functionality, it becomes clear that we should use this tool when there is impairment in (daily life, work, academics, or interpersonal relationships) and refrain from using it when functioning is adequate.
Furthermore, a dose that is too low may be ineffective, an appropriate dose may restore function, and a dose that is too high and out of control is considered misuse.
Using this tool in a timely and appropriate manner is the best practice.

Reply Date: 2024/06/29

More Info

Deciding whether to take anxiety medication is a nuanced process that involves assessing both the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. As a teacher, your role requires a certain level of composure and confidence, and if anxiety is hindering your performance or affecting your relationships with colleagues, it’s important to consider treatment options.

Understanding Your Symptoms
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, both psychologically and physiologically. Common symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, nausea, or muscle tension. In your case, you mentioned experiencing noticeable stuttering and difficulty with coordination, which can certainly impact your teaching effectiveness. While you may feel that your symptoms are not as severe as those of others with anxiety disorders, it’s crucial to recognize that any level of anxiety that disrupts your functioning warrants attention.

Medication Options
Your doctor has prescribed serotonin-based medications, which are often used to treat anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and reducing anxiety. Additionally, you have been given a benzodiazepine (referred to as "ZBD medication"), which is typically used for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines can be effective for immediate anxiety relief but are generally not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and tolerance.

Assessing the Need for Medication
When considering whether to take anxiety medication, you should evaluate:
1. Severity of Symptoms: Are your anxiety symptoms significantly impairing your ability to perform your job or engage in daily activities? If your anxiety is causing distress or dysfunction, medication may be appropriate.

2. Impact on Daily Life: Reflect on how your anxiety affects your work performance and relationships. If anxiety is leading to difficulties in communication or teaching, it may be beneficial to explore medication as a tool to help you manage these symptoms.

3. Consultation with Your Doctor: It’s essential to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding medication. Discuss your experiences with the prescribed medications, including any side effects like nausea, and express your worries about potential misuse or over-reliance on medication.

4. Alternative Strategies: In addition to medication, consider incorporating therapeutic strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, or relaxation techniques. These can provide you with tools to manage anxiety without solely relying on medication.

Making the Decision
Ultimately, the decision to take anxiety medication should be based on a combination of symptom severity and the degree to which anxiety affects your quality of life. If your anxiety is manageable and does not significantly interfere with your daily activities, you might choose to explore non-pharmacological approaches first. However, if you find that your symptoms are persistent and debilitating, medication could be a valuable part of your treatment plan.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to assess both the psychological and physiological aspects of your anxiety, consider the impact on your professional life, and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. This collaborative approach will help you make an informed decision about whether anxiety medication is right for you. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and finding the right balance of treatment can lead to improved well-being and performance in your role as a teacher.

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