Is Anxiety Medication Addictive?

Anxiety is a very common problem that almost every person deals with from time to time. It can be the nervous feeling before presenting something in front of your peers, or the feeling of anticipation before meeting someone new for the first time. A tiny bit of anxiety like this is normal.

However, if anxiety spirals out of hand, and starts affecting your daily life, then it becomes a reason for concern. It can start affecting your academic or career performance, ruin your relationships, make you withdraw socially, etc.

In such cases, it becomes very necessary to reach out and seek professional help. And it is highly likely that a licensed psychiatrist might prescribe anxiety medications for treatment, alongside therapy, if needed.

Many people avoid anxiety treatment because they fear addiction. It is important to understand that not all anxiety medication causes dependence. Board-certified doctors who specialize in anxiety prescribe some other medications known as non-addictive anxiety medications that are safe and effective for long-term use.

Types of Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications

Long-term and effective anxiety treatment should focus on non-addictive medications whenever possible. Mentioned below are the most common types of medications that psychiatrists usually prescribe to keep the symptoms of anxiety under control.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):

These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants because they have fewer side effects than older anxiety medications. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and emotional well-being.

SNRIs (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors):

These are another commonly prescribed class of anxiety medications. They are used frequently for individuals with chronic pain and are used off-label for ADHD. SNRIs tend to cause less weight gain and sexual side effects than many SSRIs, so they are preferred by many.

Tricyclic Antidepressants:

TCAs were among the first antidepressants developed for depression treatment and are still used when other anxiety medications do not work. Tricyclic antidepressants may be especially effective when treating treatment-resistant depression.

Serotonin Modulators:

Serotonin modulators work by blocking or stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. An anxiety specialist may prescribe these when patients do not respond well to other anxiety medications such as SSRIs.

Atypical Antidepressants:

Atypical antidepressants are highly effective for insomnia and anorexia associated with anxiety. They can cause rapid relief of symptoms and are used in preference to SSRIs for individuals suffering from panic attacks and more acute forms of anxiety.

Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors:

Dopamine reuptake inhibitors are used for depression and off-label for ADHD. They have been found in some cases to be useful for anxiety. They are not associated with weight gain or sexual side effects.

Benefits of Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications

• Safe for long-term use

Since these medications do not cause addiction, it is very safe and effective for long-term use. A licensed psychiatrist will prescribe such medications to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety effectively.

• Mild side effects

As compared to addictive medications like benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs, and other non addictive medications exhibit very mild side effects like dizziness, headache, and mood swings.

• No strong withdrawal

In case of addictive medicines, when the consumption is stopped for some reason, the body violently protests by showing withdrawal symptoms, like shaking, sweating, or more anxiety.

In case of non-addictive anxiety medications, withdrawal symptoms are very mild and can fade over time.

• Supports overall well-being

Because they do not cause cravings or dependence, non-addictive anxiety medicines allow you to focus on other parts of life, like sleep, relationships, and work, without the stress of worrying about addiction.

They help manage anxiety in a steady, balanced way.

How to Use Anxiety Medicine Safely

• Follow your Psychiatrist’s Advice –

A licensed psychiatrist will listen to you, understand your symptoms and may run a few tests and then tailor a treatment course for you.

They prescribe doses that are appropriate to alleviate your symptoms. Hence, it is necessary to follow their advice and neither take more nor less of the dosage that has been prescribed to you.

• Avoid Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepine –

These are usually prescribed during emergencies. Do not continue with this on a long-term basis, as it can cause addiction over prolonged usage.

• Don’t Mix with Alcohol or Drugs –

Mixing anxiety medications with alcohol or drugs can increase the dangerous side effects. It can slow down your breathing, weaken your heart rate, impair thinking, or even lead to life-threatening situations. It also increases the risk of addiction.

• Talk about your Medical History –

If you have suffered from addiction problems in the past, do not forget to inform your psychiatrist about this. Before prescribing a dosage, they must have a proper idea about your medical history, so that any further damage can be prevented.

• Do not Stop Abruptly –

Some anxiety medicines, especially benzodiazepines and antidepressants, should be stopped gradually. Quitting abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety spikes, mood changes, headaches, or dizziness.

If you want to let go of the medication, consult with your psychiatrist and, under their guidance and advice, gradually lessen the dosage until your body starts accepting the change.

What to Do if you Think you are Addicted?

If you are already struggling with addiction or dependent wholly on anxiety medications, here is what you can do:

Talk to your Psychiatrist Honestly

If you suspect addiction, it is important to let your psychiatrist know about this immediately. If an intervention is staged in an early phase, it is easier to battle the addiction.

Switching to a Non-Addictive Medicine

If you are currently on an addictive medication course, like Benzodiazepine, you can consult your trusted psychiatrist and change the course to a non-addictive group of medications.

Try Therapy

If you feel uncomfortable or dependent on medications, you can take the help of other methods to alleviate anxiety. Therapy is one of the best and effective options to do so.

Join Support Groups

Like you, several people are also suffering from their own anxiety issues and even addiction. You can look out for support groups where you can connect with others and share your problems.

For more information on anxiety treatment, visit: https://gabapsychiatrist.com/anxiety-treatment/

Or call at +1(833)312-4222 to book an appointment.