Does medication actually help?

I've heard people say that their medication doesn't actually help, just kinda slows the process down of an anxiety attack. I am afraid that this might be the case for me (when I start taking it) because I am often not affected by caffiene or sugar. Does anybody know if this is the same thing? I probably sound really dumb, but I just need some answers. Thank you!

Hi, It seems like medication is suppossed to have a profound effect on us. But often its difficult to notice the changes. I started on citalopram and became a zombie as described by those around me. i also lost my sex drive entirely (felt nothing....nothing whatsoever) which was really counter productive as it seems to affect your general ability to get excited about anything...ice cream or a trip to the park or even a glorious sunny day with money falling from the sky couldn't affect my mood. I was just in constant indifference. All this was however a vast improvement from being high one day low the next. Happy one hour suicidal the next. and i so wish i didnt stop taking it just because of a few harsh comments from people who have no idea hat it feels like to be so chronically sad. I wish i had been content with how i felt and how i managed to carry on at work, and carry on infront of friends and carry on without this taxing emotional whirlwind chewing up my life.

Medication can help but therapy is really good for dealing with anxiety. I do a combination, Klonopin as needed along with my other meds, and therapy.

Both medication does help, and you need to use it in connection with therapy. But for both of those, it can take years to find the right doctors, therapists, and medications. Things that work for some people don't work for others... you just have to be patient and keep trying new combinations.

Does therapy help though? Every time I think of therapy I just think of two people talking to each other.... I don't know it doesnt sound very productive

I've just read on one site 'You may perceive anxiety as a feeling, but in fact, anxiety is a thought. Your thoughts are the cause of anxiety, the feeling of anxiety is the result. To treat feelings you have, you can use chemicals (SSRI’s), vitamins, diets etc. But to treat thoughts, all you have to do is learn how to be aware of your thinking and learn how to think correctly.' And I think this is all about this, meds can calm you down, calm somatic effects, but therapy helps change way of thinking, which is a main problem in anxiety, etc

It lets you explore what's causing you anxiety, and find better ways to face it. Going to a group also helps. Therapy is mostly talking but it also takes a lot of work outside the office on your own part

I think it depends on the person. For me, xanax or some other benzo is the only way to stop a panic attack. I've heard of other people who can meditate and they are able to get rid of panic attacks that way.

The thoughts cause a physical response which combine into the "feeling" of anxiety. I personally think meds (including alcohol, weed, etc.) mask this but it will just continue, even worsen, over time. Getting thoughts out is important. Therapy, support groups, journaling, etc. If you try something that doesn't work, move on to something else until you find what works for you.

meds can help when you are at the bottom and desperate, they arent magic pills but can help pull you out of a dangerous situation so that something more solid like therapy can take place

My meds do wonders for me when ACT and deep breathing can't. I take 3 mg of Klopin a day, and use Ativan as needed. Without either of those (meds and techniques) I would be much more anxious. Ativan usually takes about ten minutes to sink in, so I am pretty dependent on my albuteral inhaler to help, but that's not technically for anxiety.