Do Anxiety Medications Cause More Harm Than Good in the Long Run?

People who frequently experience anxiety attacks often seek medications that can provide short-term relief. However, psychiatric medications come with a significant drawback: they do not address the root cause. Instead, they can keep the underlying issues of an anxiety disorder untreated, and may even worsen the condition over time. This applies not only to quickly addictive tranquilizers like benzodiazepines, but also to antidepressants.

Antidepressants for Anxiety: Is Serotonin Deficiency Really the Cause?

The supposed effect of antidepressants is based on the theory that they balance a deficiency of neurotransmitters in the brain, often focusing on serotonin. Other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine may also play a role.

However, to date, no study has conclusively proven that people with anxiety or depression actually have lower serotonin levels. Scientifically documented symptoms of serotonin deficiency include:

  • Exhaustion and fatigue
  • Inner tension
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Irritability and aggressiveness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Changes in appetite
  • Fluctuations in sexual desire
  • Heightened sensitivity to pain

Numerous articles in psychotherapy journals now address the misleading promises given to patients when they are prescribed antidepressants.

The Long-Term Risks of Anxiety Medications

Our advice: Stop searching for the best medications for anxiety and panic attacks. Instead, consider the approach taken by the 16,000 users of our online therapy program, “How to calm Anxiety.” By uncovering the true causes of your anxiety, you can often become anxiety-free within just a few weeks.

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed for anxiety. However, they come with a range of side effects, including:

  • Weight gain
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Sleep issues
  • Increased risk of withdrawal symptoms when stopping medication

These side effects can sometimes contribute to additional stress, making it harder to manage anxiety in the long term.

How to Address Anxiety Without Medication

Instead of relying on medications for anxiety, try following the path of the 16,000 users of our online therapy program, “How to calm Anxiety.” You can uncover the root causes of your anxiety and start living anxiety-free in just a few weeks.

International guidelines for the treatment of anxiety disorders recommends a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapeutic methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
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