Do Anti-Anxiety Medications Really Live Up As Cures For Panic Attacks?

Although anxiety medication and antidepressants are often marketed as cures for panic attacks, research disapproves their effectiveness. The two commonly prescribed medications are benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Generally, patients may find that antidepressants require time to work.

Although both drugs may reduce attacks and the symptoms of anxiety they are not designed to treat the underlying cause. For some sufferers, this can mean that symptoms return once they stop using medication. The solution is not to keep on taking medication because they are not made for prolonged usage.

Sadly, many sufferers do end up taking prescription medication for prolonged periods and become chronic users. It may be more difficult to recover from anxiety with medication since they are addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms. Dependency can develop both mentally and physically. People who continue to take anti-anxiety medication may come to rely on them and believe that they can't live without them.

Ironically the thought of living without medication only adds to their anxiety problems. To stop taking medication after an extended time could result in major withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety. Even short term use of anti-anxiety medication has risks. Side effects are fairly common and studies suggest that medication can aggravate some people with anxiety disorders. Some patients might even find that medication triggers anxiety attacks.

A number of psychotherapists may use medicine as part of behavioral therapy treatment. Tests show that this is much more effective than relying on medication alone. Apart from medication, there are other options to choose from. Natural alternative remedies include Kava, Lemon balm and St John's Worts.

This is not to say herbal remedies are better than medication but usually they are less addictive and have little side effects. Both herbal remedies and medication shouldn't be considered cures for panic attacks. People with moderate to severe anxiety have a low success rate at being treated with medicine alone.

It is best to see a physician or mental health professional to decide how to treat you anxiety disorder. Professional advice must be sought by pregnant women since certain medications should be avoided. Results show that a majority of sufferers respond well to treatments such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Mental health experts believe that psychotherapy is of key importance in the recovery of anxiety disorders.

Therapies are considered more effective cures for panic attacks since they deal with the behaviors and habits that can trigger anxiety. However, long-term success depends on proper maintenance of stress and anxiety. There is a danger however of slipping back into old patterns of behavior that re-establish an anxiety disorder.

Maintaining health and taking care of one's physical and mental wellbeing can reduce the chances of diseases and disorders. Although cures for panic attacks do exist, success depends on the individual's ability and dedication. Change comes from wanting to change no matter the cost. There's no such thing as an instant cure, since therapy can take months to take effect. In addition patients should pay careful attention to signs of stress levels and avoid certain habits and substances to reduce panic attacks.