Should i take drugs for anxiety

There are hundreds of variants, but the most commonly prescribed forms are:. Benzos work in a similar manner to most sedative drugs in that they shut down neurotransmitters, reducing feelings such as anxiety and tension. Unlike most sedatives, benzodiazepines operate by connecting to specific receptor molecules of non-critical body functions. In other words, while most sedatives partially shut down our whole body, benzos only shut down cells that participate in thinking and worrying, not breathing and surviving.

It may seem like a miracle drug, but benzos are known to hamper brain function and in some cases cause amnesia. Benzos suppress brain synapses from firing, meaning long term use can significantly hinder brain function. Rohypnol roofies are an especially potent form of benzos that have been known to be slipped in drinks, causing temporary amnesia or blackouts.

When taken in small doses, benzos are known to cause lightheadedness, poor muscle coordination, and vertigo among other side effects. Benzodiazepines are used to address anxiety because of their relaxing effects, but their potential for abuse is high. Tolerance will develop to any drug over time, and benzos are no different. Even after using for a period of two weeks or more, withdrawal can cause negative side effects.

By suppressing the central nervous system for so long, sudden withdrawal can cause brain synapses to overfire. This can result in panic attacks , tremors, headaches, insomnia, sweating, and ironically, increased anxiety.

For some, this could even result in epileptic seizure. There is also the challenge of psychologically overcoming a reliance on the numbing effects produced by these drugs. Only use benzos when prescribed by a physician.

Even then, be careful about how much you are taking and how frequently, and make sure that you only plan being on benzos for a short period of time. Antidepressant is an umbrella term for a wide variety of medications used to treat symptoms of depression. That is because they typically take weeks of regular use before effects take place. Some of the most common include:. There are many variations of antidepressant drugs, but most do the same thing. The main goal of these drugs is to bring neurotransmitters back into balance and alleviate symptoms of depression.

SSRIs increase serotonin, while SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine, which along with the dopamine are three chemicals most closely linked to depression. Stopping abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, lethargy, and anxiety.

In the weeks that the body becomes acclimated to the medication, a variety of symptoms could occur. The most common mental illness in the United States are anti-anxiety disorders.

Currently, almost 40 million adults in the U. While anxiety disorders are considered highly treatable , still, nationwide only Often, those suffering from anxiety are prescribed specific medications to address and treat ongoing bouts of extreme worry and fear.

What are, if any, the dangers of anti-anxiety medications? Anxiety disorders can be debilitating. Suffering from intense stress and worry can severely impact your ability to get through a normal day.

AspenRidge Recovery offers experienced and supportive services to those that are facing the challenges of anxiety. There is a multitude of anxiety disorders that cause anxiety, worry, and stress due to social interactions, personal health, work, or a particular phobia. Types of anxiety disorders include:. Given that anxiety is one of the most prevalent disorders in the United States there have been several medications developed to assist with treatment. Lifestyle and environmental factors can increase the risk of having anxiety, including increased stress factors caused by health conditions, sleep disorders, work situations, financial troubles, relationship problems, and death of loved ones.

In addition, genetics, major depressive disorders, and family trauma may also trigger the onset of anxiety. Given the wide complexity of these issues, different medications aim to address some of the more common symptoms. Individuals are advised to use medication in combination with therapy for the most effective treatment. But what are some of the more common anti-anxiety medications? They can include:.

While most of these medications were designed to address anxiety, they are often among the list of most abused pharmaceuticals. Due to the euphoric feelings they often produced, users may quickly find themselves building up tolerance and, further, becoming more heavily dependent on use in order to remain in control of their anxiety. Since most forms of anxiety have a drastic phsical impact, anti-anxiety medications seek to relieve those symptoms.

However, these further explain the dangers of anti-anxiety medications as a whole. Most of these drugs includes tranquilizers and sedatives. They effectively influence the central nervous system by suppressing its overactivity. This process results in an overall relaxed feeling as the central nervous system slows down. Anti-depressants may be prescribed to help you sleep or relax your muscles. Sometimes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs such as Prozac or Zoloft are used for anti anxiety although they are primarily used to treat depression.

There is a high percentage of people that will gain at least 10 pounds when taking these medications. Benzodiazepines select GABA receptors in the brain.

These neurotransmitters reduce the activity of neurons in the brain. It causes resistance to excitement or the discomfort of anxiety. Benzodiazepine abuse statistics show that this class of anti-anxiety medication are the most commonly used and abused. In the US alone, 1 in 20 people will have filled out a benzo prescription over the past year. The amount of how much medication is in each prescription has increased by double. Another alarming stat about benzodiazepine use in the United States is that every year since , almost 20, people have misused benzodiazepines.

The many benzodiazepines medications work similarly but some will act on different GABA receptors. This is why there is a large range of uses within the benzodiazepines drug class.

The main benzodiazepines treatment includes:. All of these medications affect the brain within 30 minutes of ingesting. More than 30 percent of overdoses involving opioids also involve anti-anxiety medications. Alonzo said. Alcohol plays a role in decreasing consciousness and cognitive ability.

These substances together can be incredibly dangerous, even fatal. Patients who misuse prescription medications might believe that these substances are safer than illicit substances, which is not the case. Any patient under treatment with a prescription medication for a mental health disorder should discuss the use of alcohol, over-the-counter medications and other substances with their pharmacist or provider.

Everyone needs to have an open conversation about those risks. Generally, providers do not recommend benzodiazepines during pregnancy or during breastfeeding because they can get into breast milk. The nursing infant has the potential to experience symptoms like sedation, feeding difficulties and weight loss.

You and your health care team should evaluate the benefits of breastfeeding with the risk of potential infant drug exposure and an untreated or inadequately treated mental health disorder in the mother. Anxiety disorders are treated differently depending on the person. However, there is hope for your recovery and you are worth it. If you are having trouble managing your anxiety, then speak with a health care provider about your options.

Media contact: Dee Dee Grays , Which anti-anxiety medication is right for me? Understanding anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, antidepressants and others is an important step to successfully managing anxiety disorders.

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