Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrescription MedicationsTherapiesAlternative TreatmentsLifestyleA Word From Verywell
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Prescription Medications
Therapies
Alternative Treatments
Lifestyle
A Word From Verywell
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Prescription medications cannot cure GAD, but they can help manage the symptoms.
Before taking any medication, you should discuss the possible side effects and make sure you mention all the other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you are taking to avoid possible interactions.
Common prescription medications for GAD are antidepressants and antianxiety medications such as benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include:
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include:
Cymbalta RecallStarting in October 2024, over 200,000 bottles of duloxetine delayed-release capsules were recalled over concerns about the presence of nitrosamines, which can increase the risk of cancer.If you take duloxetine, check your medication packaging to see if it was part of the affected lots or call your pharmacist to find out. You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.The recalled lots have expiration dates from November 2024 to December 2025. You can check the lot numbers in the FDA enforcement reports released inOctoberandDecember.
Cymbalta Recall
Starting in October 2024, over 200,000 bottles of duloxetine delayed-release capsules were recalled over concerns about the presence of nitrosamines, which can increase the risk of cancer.If you take duloxetine, check your medication packaging to see if it was part of the affected lots or call your pharmacist to find out. You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.The recalled lots have expiration dates from November 2024 to December 2025. You can check the lot numbers in the FDA enforcement reports released inOctoberandDecember.
Starting in October 2024, over 200,000 bottles of duloxetine delayed-release capsules were recalled over concerns about the presence of nitrosamines, which can increase the risk of cancer.If you take duloxetine, check your medication packaging to see if it was part of the affected lots or call your pharmacist to find out. You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.
The recalled lots have expiration dates from November 2024 to December 2025. You can check the lot numbers in the FDA enforcement reports released inOctoberandDecember.
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is a common treatment for GAD.
In talk therapy, you talk to a therapist about your condition and work on understanding, reducing, and managing your symptoms.
Combination TreatmentYour practitioner may combine prescription medications with psychotherapy.
Combination Treatment
Your practitioner may combine prescription medications with psychotherapy.
Your healthcare provider may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you manage GAD.
CBT teaches you to change thinking patterns and behaviors. It is a short-term treatment that focuses on helping you change how you react to situations that cause anxiety. You identify and modify thoughts that cause anxiety.
Another component of this approach is exposure, which allows you to confront your fears and overcome them.
When you have cognitive behavior therapy, your healthcare provider may also recommendrelaxationand other mind-body exercises to help you.
Mindfulness-Based Stress ReductionMindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is one type of treatment that increases relaxation through meditation. MBSR allows you to focus on the present and become aware of the current moment.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is one type of treatment that increases relaxation through meditation. MBSR allows you to focus on the present and become aware of the current moment.
When you search for GAD treatments, you may find many alternative options. It is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider before trying them to avoid possible interactions and side effects.
Warning About Vitamin InteractionsSome vitamins, minerals, and herbs can interfere with medications. They can be especially dangerous if you are already taking prescription drugs for GAD.
Warning About Vitamin Interactions
Some vitamins, minerals, and herbs can interfere with medications. They can be especially dangerous if you are already taking prescription drugs for GAD.
Alternative herbs and supplements include:
Other alternative treatments include:
There are lifestyle changes you can make to help you cope with GAD. Talk to your healthcare provider before making any drastic changes in your lifestyle and don’t forget to reach out to others for support.
Sleep
It is important to get enough sleep every night to help your overall health and GAD. If you are experiencing sleep problems, talk to your practitioner.
Diet
Your diet affects how you feel, so eating healthy is important. Consider eliminating caffeine and alcohol because they may make GAD symptoms worse.
Exercise
Exercise helps lower stress and may help you manage the symptoms of anxiety. Try to stay active every day and think about joining a gym or fitness group.
Avoid Smoking
Research shows that stopping the use of nicotine products and avoiding smoking may reduce anxiety. Ask your healthcare provider for help if you are having trouble avoiding nicotine and are dealing with an addiction.
Support Groups
Ask your healthcare provider about local support groups for GAD. It can be helpful to discuss what you are going through with others and share ideas. A support group offers understanding, empathy, and connections.
You may feel scared or embarrassed about seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder. These feelings are normal, and many people experience them. However, you do not want them to stop you from getting the help you need.
To get the right treatment, it is important to be honest and open about your symptoms. If you feel that a medical professional is not providing you with the highest level of care or is not listening to you, then consider seeing a different healthcare provider. Your primary care physician may be able to refer you to someone else who specializes in treating GAD.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of prescription, therapy, and lifestyle treatments. Talk to a healthcare professional before trying alternative options, such as herbs or supplements, which may interact with your medications.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 91(9):617-624.Food and Drug Administration.What to Know and Do About Possible Nitrosamines in Your Medication.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 91(9):617-624.Food and Drug Administration.What to Know and Do About Possible Nitrosamines in Your Medication.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 91(9):617-624.Food and Drug Administration.What to Know and Do About Possible Nitrosamines in Your Medication.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
Locke AB, Kirst N, Shultz CG.Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults.Am Fam Physician. 91(9):617-624.
Food and Drug Administration.What to Know and Do About Possible Nitrosamines in Your Medication.
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