Non-Addicting Medication for Anxiety

Anxiety is a common experience for many that is characterized by a state of excessive worry and agitation. Various medications are used to treat more severe anxiety issues, with a possible side effect being dependency.

Medications for Anxiety

• Two primary categories of medications are used to treat anxiety: Benzodiazapines such as Valium and Xanax, and anti-depressant medications such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil.

Benzodiazapines and Dependency

• Benzodiazapines are fast-acting medications that can relieve the symptoms of anxiety within 30 to 60 minutes. However, they are designed for short-term use and can be addictive if used regularly.

Non-Addictive Medications

• Various anti-depressant medications that are used to treat anxiety are a good option for long-term treatment, because they do not tend to produce physical dependency. However, these drugs require time to build up in the system before they take effect, so they don't work for short-term use.

Psychological Dependence

• Even drugs that do not produce physical dependence can elicit psychological dependence. In this situation, one believes they cannot do without the drug even when symptoms no longer warrant its usage.

Addressing Dependency

• If you believe you have developed either a physical or psychological dependence on your anxiety medication, consult with your physician or counselor to address the issue and adjust your treatment accordingly.