Xanax Ativan and Benzodiazepines and sedatives work right away to bring down anxiety which provides relief in the moment but over time easy to become dependent on them Also if you use sedating medication you will be unmotivated to implement the strategies and your brain will be less able to retain the new ways of dealing with anxiety And there is a rebound effect when benzodiazepines and painkillers wear off Anxiety typically comes roaring back in even stronger and then feel the immediate need for more of the drug Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are generally more effective for anxiety reduction over the longer term However essential that you undergo a full assessment with a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medication regime Getting Referrals Accessing support whether with a psychologist a psychiatrist or a support group is a way to enhance your recovery process as you move toward your goal of anxiety reduction Often a good place to start is with your general practitioner Talk to your medical doctor about your symptoms and see if they can refer you to a psychotherapist or clinical psychologist Online search engines can also be quite helpful in getting