However, the topic has become more widely talked about in recent years.
Although there is no cure for anxiety, there are ways to treat its symptoms.
Medication, along with therapy, are two of themost common options for treatment.
And because the wealth of information that exists can be overwhelming, we’re breaking it down for you.
So, here is what you should know before taking anti-anxiety medication.
Common brands include Ativan, Xanax, and Klonopin (via theNational Association for Mental Illness).
How does anti-anxiety medication work?
Anti-anxiety medication works by relaxing the body through sedation.
During these times, time is truly of the essence, and anti-anxiety meds can be a total lifesaver.
This could be in the midst of a panic attack or during a high-stakes exam.
And if you’ve ever experienced a situation like this, then you know how awful it feels.
You may develop side effects or you may have none at all, as noted byMind.
Luckily, these side effects are not too common.
To give you a better understanding of how this can be,Mindshared one particular user’s experience.
“During one particularly bad time I was prescribed diazepam alongside my antidepressants.
It really helped me at the time,” the user said.
In 2016, theU.S.
And, when combining the two together, these effects are intensified.
This then causes the liver to work harder to break down both the alcohol and the anti-anxiety medication.
Additionally, recent research shows a possible link between anti-anxiety medication and dementia.
This is just another thing to think about when considering whether anti-anxiety medication is right for you.
This is presumably because of how the medication affects motor coordination, making falling more likely.
There is also some evidence to suggest that long-term use of benzos can actually result in increasing underlying anxiety.
So, in truth, it can be pretty hard to tell the difference.
So, it’s good to know that this possible damage is not long-lasting.
If you think you could just stop the medication cold turkey, think again.
And what are some of these possible withdrawal symptoms that it’s best to avoid?
It’s also important to note that not everyone who uses anti-anxiety medication will experience these side effects.
Some people experience no negative short-term and long-term side effects at all.
If you think that anti-anxiety medication may be helpful for you, speak with your doctor.
Start with your primary doctor, who can then refer you to a specialist if needed.
The goal is to treat your anxiety in the best way possible.
Life can be tough now more than ever but know that you’re not alone.
