Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies for Anxiety Medication

Everyone feels anxiety from time to time, but nowadays, it seems like everyone struggles with excessive anxiety. As awareness of anxiety disorders rises, so does the number of people getting vital diagnoses. While therapy and lifestyle changes can definitely help reduce anxiety over time, many people also need medication to see significant improvement. But, is it better to use anxiety medication in the short term or commit to long-term treatment? The answer depends on your specific needs. Let’s take a look at these two treatment strategies and discover which might be best for you.

Short Vs. Long-Term: What’s The Difference?

Medications for anxiety typically belong to two categories: short-term and long-term. Both categories have their advantages, but their use depends on the type of anxiety disorder, severity of symptoms, and individual preferences. Short-term medications are meant to offer immediate relief during acute anxiety episodes, while long-term medications aim to create lasting changes to the brain chemistry. In brief, short-term medication offers quick relief, while long-term works toward reducing your anxiety over time.

How Short-Term Anxiety Medications Work

Short-term medications are often prescribed to address immediate or severe anxiety symptoms. These include benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and diazepam (Valium), as well as specific beta-blockers. Short-term medications act quickly, usually within an hour, by calming overactive brain activity. Fast relief is their biggest benefit—the temporary help allows you to regain control during high-stress periods or panic attacks. However, short-term medications are not without their drawbacks. Potential disadvantages include:

Risk of Dependence—Some drugs, like benzodiazepines, can lead to dependency if used over an extended period of time.
Noticeable Side Effects—Short-term medications often have noticeable side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and slower reaction times. These can limit their usefulness for some folks.
The Band-Aid Effect—Though effective for quick relief, these medications don’t address the underlying causes of anxiety and panic attacks. If you struggle with chronic anxiety, they might not be your best option.

What to Know About Long-Term Anxiety Medications

Unlike short-term medications, long-term medications take a preventative approach, gradually reducing symptoms over weeks or months. The most common types include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), and certain tricyclic antidepressants.

These medications regulate mood by boosting serotonin and/or norepinephrine levels, but they don’t work immediately. They might also come with side effects like nausea, headaches, or weight changes. However, these may decrease as your body gets used to the medication. With consistent use, you stand to see these benefits:

Sustained Symptoms Management—If you have generalized anxiety disorder or another chronic form of anxiety, long-term medications can help you with consistent symptom management over a long period of time.
Non-Addictive—Many long-term medications are considered non-habit forming. This generally makes them safer for extended use compared to short-term options.
Treatment for Anxiety’s Root Causes—Long-term medications work to stabilize brain chemistry and reduce anxiety’s impact on your daily life. They target the root cause of anxiety rather than the symptoms.

Comparing Short- and Long-Term Options

Now that you have a handle on the differences between short- and long-term medications, let’s take a closer look at how they compare to each other. Here are some key areas where these medication strategies differ:

Speed of Relief—Short-term medications provide near-immediate relief, making them ideal for situational anxiety (like flying on a plane). Long-term medications will take weeks to show meaningful results, but eventually have enormous benefits for chronic anxiety.
Dependency and Safety—Short-term medications come with a risk of addiction or tolerance if they’re used for an extended period of time. Long-term medications are generally non-addictive but require careful monitoring for adverse side effects.
Addressing Underlying Issues—Symptom management and temporary relief are the main goals for those who take short-term medications. Long-term medication is better equipped to target the root causes of anxiety and promote long-lasting improvement.
Usefulness for Different Disorders—If you struggle with panic attacks or occasional episodes of anxiety, short-term medications may be your best option. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with an ongoing condition like generalized anxiety or OCD, long-term medications might work better.

Which Approach is Right for You?

Choosing between short-term and long-term anxiety medications isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Your psychiatrist will take a variety of factors into consideration before prescribing a specific medication. First, they’ll talk to you about the nature of your disorder and determine whether your condition is situational or chronic. Next, they’ll consider your lifestyle and priorities. Would managing the side effects of daily medication interfere with your activities? Or does the need for immediate relief override long-term planning? Once they’ve looked at your condition from all sides, your psychiatrist can choose a medication best suited to your needs.

Supplement Medication With These Approaches

Whether you opt for short-term or long-term medication, consider pairing it with other treatment approaches. While medication is effective, it’s often most beneficial when used as a supplement. Talk to your psychiatrist about trying these approaches:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—This treatment has been proven to reframe negative thoughts and manage anxiety triggers. Many people benefit from online therapy for anxiety in the comfort of their homes.
Mindfulness Practices—Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises calm the mind and foster resilience. Even a few minutes every day can have a noticeable impact on your mental health.
Lifestyle Adjustments—Regular exercise, quality sleep, and a balanced diet can significantly impact anxiety levels. Start with minor adjustments and add to them as you feel more comfortable.

Learn More About Anxiety Medication Today

Both short-term and long-term anxiety medications have their place in managing this complex condition, but they work best when tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking immediate relief or looking to address the root causes of anxiety, there’s a solution that can improve your quality of life. The team at Family Psychiatry and Therapy is always here to help. We work with patients in New Jersey via telepsychiatry to help them manage anxiety and improve mental health. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.