Can anxiety medication harm you?

The study’s authors argue that anti-anxiety medications cause four excess deaths per year for every hundred patients. Although the numbers may seem alarming, they’re relatively low. The numbers also reveal nothing about an individual patient’s personal risk of death.

What happens if a normal person takes antidepressants?

There is new reason to be cautious about using popular antidepressants in people who are not really depressed. For the first time, research has shown that a widely used antidepressant may cause subtle changes in brain structure and function when taken by those who are not depressed. The drug is sertraline.

What happens if you take depression medicine and don’t need it?

If you don’t take your antidepressant medication consistently from the beginning, you won’t get a good result. Over time, your depression will get worse. People who miss doses may experience withdrawal symptoms. If you’re not going to take your medicine or choose to stop shortly after starting, tell your doctor.

Should I take anxiety meds?

If you have severe anxiety that’s interfering with your ability to function, medication may be helpful—especially as a short-term treatment. However, many people use anti-anxiety medication when therapy, exercise, or other self-help strategies would work just as well or better, minus the drawbacks.

Is taking medication for anxiety worth it?

What happens when you stop taking anti anxiety medication?

“The symptoms when you discontinue an antidepressant could include, among others, ‘brain zaps’ or pulsing sensations in your head, dizziness, and nausea. The symptoms when you discontinue a benzodiazepine can include tremor, agitation, sweating, palpitations, insomnia, and seizures.”

How do I stop taking anxiety medication?

Talking to Your Doctor About Withdrawal Your doctor will taper you off of the medication, and perhaps give you other medications to ease you off of your medication so that you will not have withdrawal symptoms. Do not use the Internet, including this article, as a source for how to stop taking them.

Are there any dangerous side effects of anxiety medication?

Dangerous Side Effects of Anxiety Drugs. Beyond the paradoxical effect of suicidal ideation and increased anxiety, it is rare for these drugs to show signs of dangerous or fatal side effects. However, in a few rare cases, some people have experienced: Heart problems, especially in those with possible cardiovascular disease.

Can you take anti-anxiety medication temporarily?

Although some people may use medication for long term symptom relief, others may take anti-anxiety medication temporarily. It really depends on the type of anxiety disorder you have, the severity of your symptoms, and what you and your doctor decide as appropriate treatment.

What happens if you don’t treat anxiety?

People with anxiety, especially when not properly treated, have a higher risk of suicide or self-harm behaviors. Career. People with untreated anxiety may lead a life of isolation. They may use avoidance strategies for fear of an anxiety or panic attack. They may stop going to work or their work performance may severely suffer.

What are the symptoms of withdrawal from anxiety medication?

Increased anxiety, restlessness, shaking. Insomnia, confusion, stomach pain. Depression, confusion, panic attacks. Pounding heart, sweating, and in severe cases, seizure. Many people mistake withdrawal symptoms for a return of their original anxiety condition, making them think they need to restart the medication.