Should I Take Medication for Anxiety, Panic Disorder, & Agoraphobia?
- Shannon Jackson
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Should You Take Medication for Anxiety, Panic Disorder, or Agoraphobia?
Let’s talk honestly about medication, without the stigma or pressure.
If you’re thinking about trying medication—or going back on it—this post is for you. While I can’t tell you yes or no, I want to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported in making the best decision for you.
🔔 Quick note: I’m not a doctor or someone who prescribes medication, so always talk with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about starting, stopping, or changing medication.
Let’s Be Honest—Medication Is Just a Tool
I want to start with this: Medication is simply one tool on your recovery journey. It’s not the cure, and it’s not the solution—but it can offer meaningful support, especially when you’re facing severe symptoms or daily panic attacks.
Medication can:
Help stabilize your emotions
Reduce the intensity of symptoms
Make it easier to use other recovery tools
Support you in facing everyday tasks and big challenges
It’s absolutely okay to use medication. There’s no shame in it. And there’s also no shame if you decide that medication isn’t for you.
Medication Isn’t a Fix—You Are
We often hope medication will "fix" us. But here’s the truth: Medication can’t replace the work. It can’t build the foundation that healing requires.
Think of medication like the roof of a house. It offers protection, but it needs solid walls and a strong foundation to actually do its job. That foundation is built by you—through understanding your anxiety, responding to it differently, and consistently taking action toward recovery.
Let’s Talk About the Fears
It’s totally normal to feel hesitant about medication. Here are some common mental blocks—and some helpful ways to think about them:
1. What if it doesn’t work?
Valid fear. I had the same one. But what if it does help—even just enough to give you the space and strength to work on deeper healing? And if it doesn’t? You can stop taking it—with the guidance of your provider.
2. I don’t want to be on it forever.
That’s okay. You get to decide what your journey looks like. Being on medication now doesn’t mean you’ll be on it forever. Many people use it temporarily to get through the hardest parts.
3. I don’t want to be dependent on something.
Taking medication isn’t the same as being dependent on it. Support doesn’t equal weakness. You are still doing the work—medication just helps make that work a little more manageable.
4. I feel ashamed about going back on it.
This one hits hard. But listen—there is no shame in doing what helps you feel better. If you’re going back on medication because you know it’s helpful, that’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.
What NOT to Do When Considering Medication
Let’s cover some big “don’ts” when it comes to medication:
❌ Don’t rush the decision out of fear. Quick decisions made in moments of panic can lead to regret later. Take your time.
❌ Don’t Google symptoms or side effects. Seriously. Google is not your therapist. It will only feed your fear.
❌ Don’t crowdsource advice. What worked for someone else may not work for you. You are unique. Trust your care team.
❌ Don’t ignore side effects. Be informed. Know what to expect, and communicate openly with your provider.
❌ Don’t give up right away. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right medication or dosage. That’s okay.
❌ Don’t feel pressured in any direction. Whether it’s a doctor, friend, or social media post—no one knows what’s best for you more than you do.
If Medication Hasn’t Helped (Or You Don’t Want to Take It)
I’ve been there. I tried two medications. Neither worked for me. And I felt even more defeated and frustrated than before.
But then my psychiatrist asked me a powerful question: “Are you committed to you and your mental health?”
She didn’t offer me another pill—she offered me hope. And she challenged me to stop “managing” anxiety and start overcoming it.
💥 “F*** managing anxiety,” she said. And that moment changed everything for me.
I shifted my mindset. I stopped saying I was doing everything I could and started truly committing to my healing. I stayed with the discomfort. I stopped running. I took small, intentional steps every single day—and I built a life I’m proud of.
The Bottom Line: You Are the Key to Your Recovery
Medication might be helpful. It might not. But it’s never the thing that will fully heal you. You are.
Whether you take medication or not, your recovery depends on the action you take every day—the choices you make to face the fear, show up for yourself, and keep moving forward.
So if you’re unsure whether to try medication, have a real, honest conversation with a provider who knows you. And trust yourself. You know what’s right for you better than anyone else ever could.
Want Extra Support?
If you're ready to make some powerful changes in your recovery, check out my FREE 60-minute masterclass: 5 Shifts You Need to Make to Overcome Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia. This masterclass has helped thousands of people take meaningful steps toward freedom. [Link in the show notes or visit A Healthy Push to sign up!]
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