If you're contemplating starting medication for an anxiety disorder, you no doubt have discovered that there are literally dozens of prescription and non-prescription drugs use to treat symptoms of anxiety. If you have asked people for their advice, you may have noticed that many of them have very strong views on what the best (or worst) medicine for anxiety is--and that the medication that one person calls a lifesaver caused endless problems for someone else.
These conflicting views can be confusing, but the reason for them is simple: not all medications work the same in all people. Because each person is different, there is not one best medicine for anxiety. Choosing the best medicine for you means taking into account the type of anxiety you're suffering (GAD? panic attacks? social anxiety?), your particular symptoms, your lifestyle and medical history, and your goals for treatment.
To find the best medicine for your anxiety, discuss these things with your doctor. Ask what medications he suggests for your circumstances, and also ask why he thinks those are a good fit. Also be sure to ask about potential side effects, how long it should take for you to see an improvement, and what the next course of action is if you don't feel the medication is working for you. Having answers to all these questions before you begin a course of treatment will help you find the best medicine for your anxiety.
