What is more helpful most of the time for anxiety , health anxiety... hypnosis, cbt (or other therapy) or meds? scared of side affects...

Multimodal, often: Many times people need a combination of approaches to help with health anxiety. The medications help manage symptoms (like overwhelming anxiety), but do not "cure" it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) and others can provide helpful tools and broader perspectives for looking at things so you're not so lost in your health fears. If you work sincerely with this, the results last longer than meds.

Ask your doctor: It depends on your particular situation. I usually begin with hypnotherapy and cbt, then add meds, but if the situation warrants, all of the above just to help the person asap. Hypnosis and cbt have no chemical side effects but when the risk is worth it, the medicines are started.