20 Responses for "Is It Better To Tough It Out, Or Take The Medication When Feeling Anxiety?"

1. joyceele February 6th, 2010 at 3:13 pm 1

   I am in the same situation and I choose to take the meds as needed. I have three kids and an anxiety attack can lead to strokes and heart attacks. No way am I missing out on my kids.

2. Washingt February 6th, 2010 at 7:02 pm 2

   Toughing it out will help you get stronger for future attacks, however I would build up to that. I would take the medicine for now.

3. a b February 6th, 2010 at 10:07 pm 3

   If you have been taking it for less than a month, you should wait to see what is going to happen when it kicks in. If you are after that point, it is time to try a new one. Hang in there. I am going through it too.

4. Dee Dee February 6th, 2010 at 10:43 pm 4

   It really depends on the intensity of your anxiety attack. Personally, my anxiety is 24/7, and if I don’t take my Ativan as prescribed, well lets just say it’s not a pretty picture. Perhaps at your next med check with the prescribing doctor, you can discuss your circumstances. Best of luck to you!!

5. bluesun February 7th, 2010 at 2:47 am 5

   take the meds and drink water and exercise.

6. spartan_ February 7th, 2010 at 8:54 am 6

   For attacks I feel toughing it out, for generalized anxiety maybe medication is better. If you have had an attack before and you realize that you need to change your breathing and that this too shall pass, then go ahead and keep talking yourself out of them. If they are out of control and are significantly interfering with your life, then maybe meds. As a general rule if you can make it without the meds, do it. But some people can’t so don’t feel less of a person if you are one of them OK? Hope this helps and take care OK?

7. frank d February 7th, 2010 at 2:18 pm 7

   general rule of thumb: take the medication, unless you suspect you’re overdoing it. But, generally, take it. People who tell you otherwise are usually people who don’t suffer anxiety, and are probably suspicious of medications for things like this. I have long had a fear of flying, but I’ve taken anti-anxiety medications on every trip for two years now. The last time I flew (a month ago), I was surprised to find I didn’t need take the medication- the anxiety was gone. Don’t be a hero. Be kind to yourself. Don’t put yourself through torture just because of what other people might think. Life is too short to spend having panic attacks. Just take the pill.

8. bobhayes February 7th, 2010 at 4:08 pm 8

   I would say take the meds.
   Best wishes and God bless.

9. brbgrl4 February 7th, 2010 at 7:59 pm 9

   I too suffer from clinical anxiety I have been prescribed medication in the past but never took it instead I joined a group where we discussed our anxiety identified our “suds levels” and used other techniques like breathing and re-focus. I found the group to be very helpful, but stopped going because my anxiety became worse as I worried about my husband’s and daughter’s trip to and from the clinic to drop me off. I am a believer in medication however if there is no other form of help being used.

10. mandm February 8th, 2010 at 12:56 am 10

    I always try to tough it out, but sometimes the anxiety attack is so overwhelming that you can’t do it. It’s better to take your medication when you can’t fight the anxiety anymore.There is no need for you to suffer more than you can handle. That’s why the medication is always the best thing to do in that situation.

11. email archiving February 8th, 2010 at 1:16 am 11

    You need to get the book – “the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” – will change your life. I chose to not take meds and learned that its not a life sentence. Havnt had a problem – have my moments but they can be overcome without meds. The NUMBER ONE thing that helped was to understand that its NOT a disorder or mental problem. Just your body reacting to something. You have to figure that out and it not always mental – could me something as simple as diet and excercise.

12. Mopar Muscle Gal February 8th, 2010 at 8:10 am 12

    I am taking BuSpar on a regular twice daily doseage and feel great
    If you need something for anxiety.. by all means take it and don’t let it get the best of you

13. d_magica February 8th, 2010 at 2:47 pm 13

    Take the medicine, that’s why it is there. Maybe one day you will be able to handle your anxiety w/o use of medicine. But, if you think you can now, go ahead. I just don’t see why you should suffer when the meds are there =)

14. Jen K February 8th, 2010 at 7:54 pm 14

    Who’s to say what’s best. There is so much about anxiety that even psychiatrists do not know. Do what works for you. I would personally try to hold off on medication, but if you feel terrible, what else can you do? Have you looked into Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? Do you have a phobia or do your panic attacks just occur spontaneously for no apparent reason?

15. JenJen February 8th, 2010 at 10:56 pm 15

    Take the medication. If your doctor didn’t think that you needed it, he wouldn’t have prescribed it to you.

16. Carley February 9th, 2010 at 5:48 am 16

    Drugs are great!!! Just kidding.. If you can tough it out then thats one less thing in life your body become dependent on… When I have Panic attacks Ive learned to just breathe sloooooow deep breaths,, i will still have a lump in my throat and be shakey, but within time it passes………….

17. Helga J February 9th, 2010 at 11:34 am 17

    What tools have you been given to deal with your anxiety on a non-chemical level? We as a society rely way too much on a chemical solution to our living problems – I would always opt and encourage natural methods over medicines. But, hey, no heroics – if you’re spinning out of control & you’re about to jump out of your skin ’cause you can’t handle it, definitely use what the doctor prescribed. But do follow your instinct, too.

18. bluejean February 9th, 2010 at 3:43 pm 18

    I’m all for toughing it out for a few minnutes … Then go with the xanax or ativan.

19. barbara n February 9th, 2010 at 7:01 pm 19

    hi, you should take anxiety medication,if you have anxiety,don”t even try to tough it out,anxiety is nothing to play around with. hope i was some help for you, BARBARA,

20. none February 9th, 2010 at 8:35 pm 20

    Take it as needed. You have a medical condition originating in the chemicals in your brain, you have acute anxiety attacks. If you were a diabetic you would shoot insulin as needed, wouldn’t you? Take the meds.