What it can feel like to be on anxiety medication

Deciding to take anxiety medication is a big commitment to your well-being. But even after you’ve done your research and talked to your provider, you might still wonder what it actually feels like to be on anxiety medication. It’s normal to have some hesitation and uncertainty, and it can help to know what to expect.

How you feel once you start taking anxiety medication depends on how your body responds. Everyone’s system is different, and it can take some trial and error to find the right type and dosage for you. 

Here are a few things you can probably expect. 

You’ll feel less anxious

The primary, and most important, experience most people have on anxiety medication is feeling less anxious. This is the purpose of anxiety medication. Research shows ^[1] that different medications can be significantly effective for reducing anxiety symptoms. You might feel like you can start to relax again, or that the worries stop cycling through your mind.

Some medications help you feel less anxious almost immediately (within a few hours), while others take several weeks for you to see a result. If you don’t feel less anxious at all while taking the medication — even after you’ve been taking it for several weeks or months — it may not be the right medication or dosage for you. You can talk to your provider about other options.

Your sleep improves

People often feel like they’re able to get better sleep when they take anxiety medication. Anxiety medication helps your nervous system relax. Before taking medication, you may have tossed and turned all night long. But now, you might feel calmer and more relaxed at night, and sleep soundly.

On the other hand, some people experience drowsiness on anxiety medication — even during the day. This is a normal side effect, and it can go away over time. If drowsiness and fatigue are getting in the way of your functioning — like not being able to be productive at work — it’s worth talking to your provider about it. 

You’ll notice mood improvements 

Many medications used for anxiety are also used to treat depression. Because depression and anxiety often appear together, you may have experienced a low mood before starting medication. For example, you may have felt a pervasive sense of hopelessness or that even pleasurable activities weren’t worth doing anymore.

But even if your symptoms are from anxiety and not depression, you may find that your mood lifts as well. Not only are you less worried and anxious, but you may also feel more motivated and energized.

You may have some nausea 

Some people experience side effects with anxiety medication — especially at first. One of the most common side effects ^[2] is stomach upset, including issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

These side effects can be extremely uncomfortable and scary. They usually improve after your body adjusts to the medication, which can take a few weeks. Eating small, frequent meals or taking your medication with food can sometimes help. 

If symptoms don’t go away or become more severe, your provider might recommend switching medications or adjusting your dosage.

You feel like yourself again 

Many people say that anxiety medication is life-changing. After the medication reaches a therapeutic level, you might find you’re able to: 

• Focus more easily 

• Be present, instead of worrying about the past or future 

• Enjoy time with loved ones 

• Overcome challenges more easily

• Have a greater sense of ease in day-to-day life 

It’s important to remember that no matter how you feel, you should never stop taking your anxiety medication suddenly without the supervision of a medical provider. This can be dangerous. Your anxiety can come back — sometimes even worse than before — when you stop taking medication.

This doesn’t mean that you’ll definitely need to take medication forever. But if you want to stop taking it, you’ll need to taper off under medical supervision.

How to move forward with anxiety medication

If you think you might benefit from anxiety medication, your first step is to talk to the appropriate provider.

Only licensed medical providers, like physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners, can prescribe anxiety medication. Therapists can’t prescribe it, but they can provide other services — like individual and group therapy — that may help medication work better. You don’t need to choose between medication and therapy. Many people choose to do both at the same time. 

It’s natural to have some doubts about starting anxiety medication. Your provider can address any concerns you may have. You might ask questions like: 

• How long will it take before I start feeling better?

• What side effects should I expect?

• What should I do if I experience side effects that don’t go away?

• How will I know if this is the right medication for me?

• Is it safe to drink alcohol or caffeine while taking this?

• What happens if I miss a dose?

• Will I need to take this long term?

• How often will I need follow-up appointments?

Follow-up appointments are an important part of the process. After you’ve received your initial prescription, your provider will need to meet with you regularly to monitor your progress. These appointments are great opportunities to talk to them about any side effects you’re facing and if you think the medication is making a difference in your anxiety levels.

Clinician’s take

People should know that these medications can take several weeks to see improvement, so it’s important to continue taking the medication — even if you don’t feel any improvements in the first couple of weeks.

Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC

Clinical reviewer