Is it good to take anxiety medications? 

Anxiety is a very common but severe mental health condition in the United States. According to a Forbes Health report, over 40 million adults, or over 19% of the US population, are suffering from anxiety. Anxiety medications, the most trendy thing in the USA, also lead multiple problems for the user.

Conditions such as anxiety don’t just impact one’s health; they can profoundly disrupt a person’s life. These emotional health challenges can also have ripple effects on those around the individual. Unfortunately, many individuals with anxiety end up relying on prescription-based anxiety medications. 

The utilization of these potent drugs, known for their addictive nature, typically exacerbates the condition. Initial users often transition into regular consumption due to addiction. Consequently, they not only squander financial resources but also halt their professional endeavors, resulting in losses for both themselves and the nation.

The increasing prevalence of anxiety and the corresponding rise in medication addiction pose a significant threat to the United States. Let’s have a look at what anxiety is, anxiety medication addiction, and ways to prevent the addiction risks. 

What is anxiety?

According to mental health experts, anxiety manifests as feelings of fear and unease. While everyone encounters fear at some point, anxiety involves experiencing fear that isn’t grounded in reality. Unlike fears stemming from actual events or situations, anxiety often arises from overthinking. 

However, this fear is normal if it does not occur on a regular basis or does not interfere with your daily life activities. The situation becomes worse when anxiety starts occurring on a daily basis and impacting the individual’s daily life and people start searching for anxiety medications.

This is the situation called anxiety disorder. 

Symptoms of anxiety disorder

The symptoms of anxiety disorder can vary depending on the specific type of anxiety a person experiences. Different types of anxiety are categorized based on the underlying cause of the anxiety.  

The primary symptom of anxiety and anxiety disorder is fear or psychological pressure that the patient experiences on specific events. Secondly, people with severe anxiety often choose to avoid the situation that leads to fear.  

Other symptoms of anxiety may include; 

• Feeling irritable, restless, or tense
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions 
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Shaking, sweating, and trembling 
• Having heart palpitations 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Sense of danger or panic 

Types of Anxiety 

Anxiety disorder can be categorized into different types based on the symptoms and the trigger point. 

GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder 

GAD patients often experience extreme and unrealistic worry and tension. They experience such fear even when there is no actual danger. Its physical symptoms may include restlessness, sleeping problems, and problems with concentration. 

Panic Disorder 

People with panic disorder often experience sudden episodes of extreme fear. These attacks often feature more intense feelings of fear than any other type of anxiety disorder. Its physical symptoms can lead to heart attack and other heart-related problems. 

Sweating and heart pain also refer to their physical symptoms. 

Phobias 

Intense fear while facing certain situations or subjects. Subjects may include animals, snakes, blood, heights, etc. While situations may include an exam, some public performance etc. 

Certain other types of anxiety, like relationship anxiety, social anxiety disorder, etc, are linked with phobias. 

Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety disorder or anxiety is a kind of mental illness. However, it is not linked with obvious situations like personal weakness, problems with upbringing, or character flaws of an individual. 

Its basic causes may include chemical imbalances inside the brain, environmental factors, or situations that are not bearable. In addition, heredity may also play a role in someone’s anxiety. 

Treatment for Anxiety

A combination of medications and social and behavioral therapies can help manage anxiety. However, no medication or therapy can guarantee a complete cure. Most therapies and medications are known to help you live with anxiety without further trouble. 

Medications may include; 

Anti-anxiety medications: Medications like benzodiazepines can help manage anxiety symptoms. Benzos are known to release calming effects and slow down the chemical imbalance in your brain. This helps individuals feel normal even in an extremely anxious situation. 

Antidepressants: They can also help with anxiety disorders by tweaking how the brain uses certain chemicals to improve mood and reduce stress. 

Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers do not directly address the anxiety. However, they can manage some of its physical symptoms like blood pressure imbalance. 

However, all these medications tend to lead to physical and psychological dependence. So, until it is not compulsory, patients should avoid consuming anxiety medications.  

Therapies may include;

Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT is the most common and effective psychotherapy used for anxiety management. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps the individual recognize the triggers and patterns of his anxiety. Once recognized, the patient may change the patterns and avoid triggers to stay calm. 

Exposure therapy: This therapy focuses on the exact fear behind someone’s anxiety and helps them engage with activities they are avoiding. 

In the end, anxiety medications are not good in any case. Taking them recreationally without any need will impact your brain power and will also lead to addiction. And, in case someone is taking anxiety medications without taking proper measures and also experiences addiction, overdose, and withdrawal symptoms. 

Also read: Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome: Complete Information

Please note buying or selling anxiety medications (prescription-based) online is illegal and can be risky.