Why Use an Anti Anxiety Drug?
Anti-anxiety medications have a large number of side effects, so why use an anti-anxiety drug? The main reason is that you may not be able to calm down enough by yourself in order to address your underlying problems. There is no anti-anxiety medication that can cure you. The drugs will relieve your symptoms enough that you can use other methods to cure your underlying stress. Anti-anxiety drugs work very well when they are combined with talk therapy, self talk, meditation, and concentration.
There are many different medications that can be used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Some of them are: benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and beta blockers. On occasion, if symptoms are not relived by other medications, anti-psychotics are used. Anti-anxiety medications should never be looked at as a cure. Once you find the right one for you, it will relieve symptoms.
One of the downsides of anti-anxiety drugs is that they stop working after a while. Over time you will have to take higher and higher doses and eventually you will have to switch drugs to get continued relief of your symptoms. So, why use an anti-anxiety drug?
There are many treatment options before you start taking anti-anxiety drugs. Some of these treatments are cognitive-behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, talk therapy, hypnosis, meditation, and even acupuncture. Most therapists agree that the cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective option available. As a patient you owe it to yourself to explore these different treatments before committing to an anti-anxiety drug.
Lifestyle changes are very important, especially in conjunction with any other therapy. Some of these changes are exercise, adequate sleep, and eating a healthy diet. None of these changes will be easy to make. You may start and stop several times before you completely buy into them, but do not stop trying. Knowing there are alternative therapies, why use an anti anxiety drug?
When you are asking yourself: ”Why use an anti-anxiety drug?”, you will need to be aware of the possible side effects of those drugs. Here are some of the most common side effects you could be facing:
- Drowsiness, lack of energy
- Clumsiness and slow reflexes
- Slurred speech
- Confusion and disorientation
- Depression
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Impaired thinking and judgement
- Memory loss and forgetfulness
- Nausea, upset stomach, vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Mania Hostility and rage
- Aggressive or impulsive behavior
- Hallucinations
- Nervousness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Nervousness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
If you notice some of the symptoms are the same ones you are already suffering from. You may actually have to try a half a dozen different medications before you find one that relieves your symptoms without making you suffer too many side effects. Now you are really asking yourself: ”Why use an anti-anxiety drug?”
Beyond the common side effects, the medications for anxiety carry additional risks. Some of the drugs are safe as long as you only take them for a little while; and only if they are the only medications that you are taking at the time. It is possible to overdose and become addicted. Never take anti-anxiety medications with alcohol, prescription pain killers or sleeping pills. You will be in danger of a fatal overdose every time. Again, why use an anti-anxiety drug?
Now that you have had plenty of time to ask yourself: ”Why use an anti-anxiety drug?”, maybe you would like to hear some of the positives of anti-anxiety drugs. First and foremost is that some people can not control their anxiety symptoms on their own and need the medications. The medications will alleviate the symptoms so that you can control the underlying stress in your life. The best cure for anxiety is the combination of drugs and therapy. That is why use an anti-anxiety drug.
