Medication For Fears And Phobias

Are there medications that treat fears and phobias?

People who have an anxiety disorder can take medications like the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These are medications like Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, and really see some good benefit from them.

What types of medications can help someone suffering from phobias?

The most commonly prescribed medications for phobias and for all of the anxiety disorders are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like Paxil, Prozac, and those can really benefit people who have significant anxiety.

What are the side effects of medications for phobias?

Well, I'm not an MD. However, I have seen some of my clients who take a certain class of medications that are called benzodiazepine. They can start using them as a crutch and take them, kind of pop the pill whenever they are nervous.

Can I get addicted to medication for phobias?

Well I'm not an MD, however I have seen some of my clients who have anxiety disorders and take a certain class of medications which are called benzodiazepines, that they take these medications whenever they feel nervous and they can start using them as a crutch, which means that they feel that they need the medication in that moment to feel better and that can actually backfire because it prevents them from learning that they can handle their phobias even without the medication in that moment.

If I stop taking medication for phobias, will they come back?

What we've seen in research is that if you're having a phobia or a fear and you're in therapy for it then you stop medication and you stop therapy at the same time, there is some risk of relapse. So instead what you want to do is to continue your therapy and a maintenance phase for a couple of months - like once a month something like that; even after you've stopped the medication to be sure that your fear doesn't return.

Can I ask my regular doctor for phobia medication?

Absolutely, if you have a fear or a phobia discuss it with your medical doctor. Let them know what you are experiencing, and they will either prescribe a medication or refer you to a psychiatrist to do an evaluation, who would also prescribe you medication.