Non Addictive Anti Anxiety Medication

What is Anxiety Disorder?

The National Comorbidity Study reported that 52% of males and 28% of females diagnosed with PTSD would also meet the criteria for an alcohol abuse disorder. Those afflicted with both disorders must be treated in a dual-diagnosis treatment center.

• Panic Disorder: Those with panic disorder experience frequent panic attacks at unexpected times. These attacks can be brought on by specific situations or by (seemingly) nothing at all. Brief periods of intense fear are coupled with physical symptoms like chest pains, shortness of breath and trouble breathing, heart palpitations, stomach problems, and dizziness or light-headedness (often due to hyperventilation). Panic disorder is usually treated with prescription medication.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Also known as social phobia, this specific anxiety disorder is marked by an overwhelming and crippling amount of anxiety experienced in everyday social situations. Those suffering from social anxiety disorder also tend to feel extremely self-conscious. Some afflicted with this disorder will only experience symptoms when it comes to a particular setting or situation – for example, they may only experience severe anxiety when speaking in public or eating in front of other people. Others with a social anxiety disorder will entirely avoid every social situation. This type of anxiety disorder is usually treated with medicinal and therapeutic treatment.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Those with OCD experience recurrent and unwanted thoughts, often coupled with compulsive, repetitive behaviors. Some common repetitive behaviors that those with OCD engage in include hand-washing, counting, and cleaning. They believe that if they engage in these repetitive behaviors, the obsessive thoughts will disappear or be effectively managed. Of course, this is not the case, and professional intervention will be necessary to manage symptoms that are harshly disruptive to daily life successfully.

• Phobias: Those with a phobia will present an irrational fear concerning a specific object, activity, or experience. A phobia is much different than simply being ‘afraid’ of something. Many people have things they are inexplicably afraid of, such as clowns, snakes, or spiders. Those with a diagnosable phobia will panic whenever the object, activity, or experience they are afraid of occurs – even when there is a threat of it happening. Phobias are disruptive to daily life and must be treated with intensive therapy.

Other classifications of an anxiety disorder include separation anxiety disorder and illness anxiety disorder (fear of being away from a loved one and of getting sick or falling ill, respectively). Those experiencing symptoms of anxiety disorders must reach out for professional treatment.

Treating anxiety is extremely important because those left untreated will often turn to drugs and alcohol to alleviate symptoms. Because of this, comorbidity rates are extremely high. Dual-diagnosis treatment centers such as We Level Up offer comprehensive, integrated care to those struggling with substance abuse and anxiety.

Non-Narcotic Treatments for Anxiety

Once an individual has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, they can explore potential treatment options. Treatment for anxiety falls into two main categories — medicinal treatment options and psychotherapy/holistic treatment options. In addition, those struggling with a substance abuse disorder in conjunction with anxiety will want to look into non-narcotic treatment options. The following list includes some viable options for non-narcotic and non-addictive medicinal and holistic treatment options for quickly and effectively treating anxiety symptoms.

What is the Best Non Addictive Anti Anxiety Medication? Non Addictive Anxiety Medications Include:

• SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a class of drugs originally developed to treat depression but were found to be just as effective—if not more so—at reducing anxiety. They work by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a mood-boosting effect. They’re particularly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). SSRIs include:

The drawback to non-addictive anti-anxiety medications, SSRIs, is that they take four to six weeks to build up your system before you feel the full effects. They can also cause uncomfortable withdrawal effects if you suddenly stop taking them, including vertigo, nausea or vomiting, chills, shock sensations or “brain zaps,” and visual disturbances. Possible side effects of SSRIs are:

• SNRIs: Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are better for generalized anxiety and panic disorders. They’re similar to SSRIs because they boost serotonin but unique because they also regulate norepinephrine—a neurotransmitter related to alertness and concentration. Regulating both of these has a strong, positive effect on mood. Examples are:

SNRI side effects are similar to SSRIs, plus potentially fatigue, loss of appetite, and constipation. SNRIs also cause withdrawal effects when you abruptly stop taking them similar to SSRIs.

• Vistaril (Hydroxyzine): Hydroxyzine is a fast-acting drug that is very effective in temporarily treating anxiety. It sometimes has the side effect of sedation, but this wears off the longer you take it. Hydroxyzine works by blocking the histamine receptor. This means that the drug helps balance neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your moods, such as histamines (like Benadryl or other antihistamines) and serotonin.

• Buspar (Buspirone): This non-addictive anxiety medication is similar to an SSRI in that it increases chemical messengers involving serotonin. Buspar only targets one subtype of the serotonin receptor, so it affects just one specific area of your brain. When SSRIs target more receptors, there are more side effects. Because Buspar targets one, you get fewer side effects. It also takes the same amount of time as an SSRI to feel the effects. Side effects you might experience include:

• Beta-Blockers: These non-addictive anxiety medications temporarily relieve anxiety symptoms, such as shaking and rapid heart rate. They do so by blocking the effects of adrenaline or epinephrine. Epinephrine is a hormone that creates anxiety in your fight-or-flight response. A beta-blocker doesn’t change your brain’s chemical balance, so it can’t rely upon long-term. They’re usually prescribed short-term while you find more lasting ways to combat your anxiety. Beta-blockers include:

• Gabapentin (Neurontin): Gabapentin is generally prescribed for nerve pain and seizures, but there is some study into the efficacy of gabapentin for anxiety. While considered an “off-label” use, treatment of anxiety conditions with gabapentin has seen promising results from initial studies and case reports.

Non-Narcotic / Best Non Addictive Anti Anxiety Medication Holistic Anxiety Treatment Options

Here are common holistic treatments used to safely and effectively combat symptoms of anxiety:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals re-write the stories they tell themselves about their lives. The mind is a powerful tool — thoughts can spiral us into worse anxiety, fear, and anger. Or, conversely, help elevate us to a more serene state. Controlling the stories and perspectives, we repeat in our minds can greatly help alleviate our anxiety.

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of CBT that focuses on four key tools: mindfulness focuses on improving an individual’s ability to accept and be present in the current moment; distress tolerance, which is geared toward increasing a person’s tolerance of negative emotion, rather than trying to escape from it; emotion regulation, which covers strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems in a person’s life; and lastly, interpersonal effectiveness which involves learning techniques to communicate with others assertively, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a form of trauma therapy that utilizes some outside stimulus — often flashing lights or vibrating objects- to stimulate each side of the brain. The two hemispheres of our brains process different information — rational facts, other feelings, and emotions. By alternately stimulating each side of the brain, a person can sometimes reprocess traumatic memories to create healing and new emotional-factual associations. Our brains and bodies can become less emotionally reactive in scenarios that trigger our anxiety by dealing with past trauma.

• Talk Therapy: Frequently, our anxiety can build because we are stuffing our feelings about things occurring in our lives. These stored emotions build up in the body and spirit, creating an increasing sense of anxiety. By attending regular sessions with a therapist, we can offload some of our emotions so they don’t build up and become overwhelming.

Finding a therapist that you connect with and specifically focuses on these forms of psychotherapy can be highly beneficial in helping you work through your anxiety. In addition, learning emotional tools in therapy can be far more sustainable and long-lasting than taking habit-forming anxiety medication.

List of the Best Non-Addictive Anti-Anxiety Medication Treatments for Anxiety

Who Can Prescribe Anxiety Medication?

Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist specializes in identifying, managing, and preventing mental illness and substance use disorders. Since their training includes four years of medical school and at least three years in a psychiatric residency, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to comprehend the intricate relationship between mental and physical health. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication for the treatment and maintenance of mental health issues

Physicians

A physician is a general practitioner who obtained relevant training and has experience caring for patients of all ages. Physicians identify acute and chronic illnesses, treat them, and provide preventive care (routine checkups). Your physician should be your first call when navigating the mental health system. They offer diagnoses, write prescriptions, or direct a patient toward mental health professional. When necessary, they will coordinate your care with other subspecialists.

Internists

Internists, also known as internal medicine specialists, concentrate on treating adult and adolescent health conditions and provide long-term, comprehensive care. Internists see patients for various diseases and health concerns. They are trained to treat the entire body, not just the internal organs. In addition, internists frequently offer services for patient education and preventive medicine.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Many of the same tasks that a psychiatrist performs, including the diagnosis of mental illness and medication prescription, are carried out by psychiatric nurse practitioners. They serve as a therapist, assisting patients whose conditions are amenable to therapy. In addition, they educate the patient’s family about their condition and how to respond in various circumstances. [3]

How to Ask Your Doctor for Anxiety Medication?

It can be intimidating to bring up anxiety medications in conversation with your doctor. The best strategy is to be straightforward and describe your anxiety symptoms, triggers, and reasons for thinking that medication might be helpful. Consider that the doctor is there to assist you.

• Be Clear and Concise. Request Your Doctor Follow Suit.

Don’t waste time being evasive about your need for assistance. Instead, be clear and concise about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and how long you’ve been dealing with them. Mention whether you’ve spoken with a therapist as well. In exchange, kindly ask your doctor to be straightforward and detailed.

• Ask Your Doctor Why They Recommend A Specific Medication & Other Options.

Ask your doctor why they prescribe a specific medication and if there are any other options. Because they believe it to be the most effective treatment for anxiety with the fewest side effects, some doctors may prescribe a particular drug to most patients.

Before recommending a particular medication, other doctors might consider several factors. Always inquire about the rationale behind your doctor’s prescription choice and whether any other options might be a better fit for you.

• Ask Your Doctor How Long You Will Need The Medication.

How long will this medication need to be taken? Several weeks? Several months? Several years? as required? Forever? Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and prescribed medication, the answer will change.[12]

What Does Anxiety Medication Feel Like?

Benzodiazepines, antidepressants, beta blockers, and antihistamines are the different types of anxiety medications. Whether you are dealing with chronic anxiety or acute anxiety, such as panic attacks, will determine the kind of medication your doctor will advise. While some drugs are better at treating acute anxiety, others are better at treating chronic stress.

Side Effects of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines calm and relax the body and mind while reducing anxiety. They can help reduce panic attack symptoms quickly. Although they have many advantages for treating momentary anxiety and panic, they can also have unfavorable and even harmful side effects. You should always be closely monitored by your healthcare provider while taking benzos, and you should let them know how these medications affect you and make you feel. There is a chance that you could develop a dependence or addiction to these drugs.

Side Effects of Antidepressants

Antidepressants have side effects, but they can also have significant advantages. When they’re effective, they can lift your spirits, help you feel less anxious, and even contribute to more energy and better sleep. Adverse side effects are typically minor but can differ from person to person. Speak with your prescriber about potential medication alternatives if the harmful effects of these drugs outweigh the positive effects.

Over-The-Counter Anxiety Medication

Some people would instead try over-the-counter anxiety medications than switch to prescription medication. The following strategies have some evidence supporting them, even though they might not be effective for everyone. Before taking anything, please talk to your doctor about OTC remedies because they may interact with certain foods, prescription drugs, or dietary supplements. Additionally, be aware that supplements are not subject to FDA regulation and may not contain the ingredients or dosages they advertise, or they may contain other ingredients that are not listed.

• Antihistamines

Antihistamines are used to treat allergies but frequently have drowsiness or sedation as side effects. Compared to anti-anxiety medications, research has not shown diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an effective anxiety treatment. However, diphenhydramine or other antihistamines may be helpful if anxiety symptoms keep you up at night or are brought on by allergies.

Diphenhydramine should be used with caution in older adults as it can cause drowsiness or dizziness, increasing the risk of injury, falls, or confusion. Never take more diphenhydramine than the recommended dose because doing so can be fatal. When used as needed, the prescription antihistamine hydroxyzine (Vistaril) has been shown to reduce anxiety. Your healthcare provider can decide if that is a suitable course of treatment for you.

• 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-HTP, also known as tryptophan, is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that it is used to produce. Anti-anxiety drugs frequently function by increasing or speeding up serotonin production in the brain. In order to give the body the ingredients it needs to produce more serotonin, 5-HTP is thought to be helpful for anxiety. However, credible research has not established that it boosts the brain’s availability of serotonin or improves mood. Combining 5-HTP with other drugs that affect brain chemicals may result in interactions.

• Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral necessary for various bodily processes, such as muscle contraction, blood pressure, and blood sugar regulation, as well as mood balance and assisting with anxiety symptoms. Although magnesium is present in many foods, only about 50% of Americans get enough of it. Depending on the age and biological sex, a daily intake that between 310 and 420 milligrams (mg) are advised. There are no risks associated with consuming too much magnesium, but taking high doses of magnesium supplements can have adverse side effects like diarrhea. Therefore, magnesium supplements shouldn’t contain more than 350 milligrams of magnesium.

• CBD

Without the psychoactive properties of cannabis, cannabidiol, or CBD, it offers calming effects. Although more research is required to demonstrate its safety and efficacy, it might aid in treating various anxiety disorders. Additionally, the FDA does not regulate the dosage, purity, or safety of CBD products. Many have variable CBD content and might also have contaminants or marijuana-derived psychoactive substances. Buy CBD products from reputable companies. Drug interactions are another possibility for cannabidiol.

• Ashwagandha

A herb called ashwagandha may help maintain healthy cortisol levels. When under stress, the body releases this hormone. Although ashwagandha has been shown in some clinical studies to have anti-anxiety properties, more studies are required to determine whether this herbal remedy has effects on larger populations.

• Kava

Root known as kava, or kava kava, is offered as a dietary supplement. Compared to a placebo, kava may help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, according to a small study. However, kava supplements should be used cautiously as they may result in fatal or permanent liver damage.

• Valerian

For sleep issues, valerian root is frequently used. A clinical trial discovered that this supplement improved the region of the brain connected to anxiety. But not all research on valerian supports its ability to reduce anxiety, and if you regularly take it, stopping it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, it may have the capacity to raise the danger of liver injury.

For sleep issues, valerian root is frequently used. A clinical trial discovered that this supplement improved the region of the brain connected to anxiety. But not all research on valerian supports its ability to reduce anxiety, and if you regularly take it, stopping it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, it may have the capacity to raise the danger of liver injury.[10]

Natural Anxiety Medication While Pregnant

Depression and anxiety should be treated during pregnancy because they pose a serious risk to the mother and the unborn child if not. Deteriorating mental health poses the greatest threat to the mother and could severely impact her capacity to care for herself and her child. Additionally, there is evidence linking untreated maternal depression and anxiety to a higher risk of miscarriage, prematurity, and low birth weight.

Non-Medical Treatment

To help manage anxiety and depression while pregnant, it’s crucial to visit your healthcare providers, such as a GP or mental health specialist. Management may involve talking therapies like counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Initial assessments frequently include a questionnaire created especially for pregnant women or recently given birth (CBT).

Medicines

Before becoming pregnant, you might have been taking an antidepressant or another medication prescribed to help manage your mental health. Pregnancy is already a high-risk period, so stopping necessary medicines during that time may harm you and your unborn child. In particular, it is not advised to abruptly stop taking your antidepressant because this could cause withdrawal symptoms and raise the possibility that your symptoms will return. If your regular medication for mental health keeps you healthy, it is frequently advised to continue taking it. Numerous drugs used to treat depression and anxiety have been examined in pregnant women and haven’t been linked to an increased risk of congenital disabilities or other negative effects.[9]

What Does Anxiety Medication Feel Like? (Symptoms List)

The effects of anxiety medications vary from person to person. Others hardly ever notice any side effects at all, whereas some people may experience significant side effects. But knowing the possible negative effects is still helpful. This is due to the possibility that you may encounter a problem without realizing it is caused by your medication. Knowing the side effects will also enable you to make the necessary preparations prior to taking it. [8]

Side effects that you may experience with anxiety medication include:

At-Home Best Non-Addictive Anti-Anxiety Medication Options for Anxiety

If you suffer from anxiety, medication isn’t the only option for relief. These techniques, backed by evidence, are proven to work just as well, if not better, than medication for some people. They can be taught in therapy, or you can learn them independently. Once you know how to do them, you’ll be able to reduce anxiety if you ever need to stop or change medications. Here are some things you can try to calm yourself down when you’re anxious:

Learn About The Top Non Addictive Anti Anxiety Medication Options

Non Addictive Anti Anxiety Medications FAQs

Mental Health Treatment Center

Are you wondering what the best non-addictive anti-anxiety medication treatment option for you or a loved one is? Anxiety is a frustrating and sometimes scary condition to experience. Fortunately, there’s plenty of help available! The best course of treatment for you may involve non-addictive anxiety medication, therapy, or both. You might also need to know about the non-addictive anti-anxiety medication before finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your addiction concerns. They will work with you to create an effective treatment plan that provides much-needed peace of mind.

Programs at We Level Up for mental health disorders include:

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Yoga Therapy 

Learn more about reducing anxiety with treatment options by contacting We Level Up. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.