Anxiety Pills - Are They Necessary?

Todays world in its cut throat competition brings us many things. It brings us money, fame, property, etc and it also brings stress, anxiety and restlessness. None of us are free from stress, and from things that just make our day go a little uneasily. While there are a number of ways that can help us eliminate some stress, anxiety pills may not be the best one. While our lives are at times very stressful, and while we live in a culture that wants quick-fixes to all of life's problems, it seems that anxiety pills are gaining in use as the solution.

In fact, in America, one of these brands was the highest prescription drug (diazepam) used, in the 70's. Of course, we do acknowledge that there are some people who may actually need these pills. But, there are many others, who could find simpler ways to meet their daily stress - without the pills. It seems that the use of these anxiety pills has only greatly increased, with some of them being the 5th and 6th most commonly sold medicines in the world. Some of these pills, benzodiazepines, are being prescribed for patients at times the level that is recommended, yet there is little evidence that they have a real benefit.

The other side of Anxiety Pills - The Negative side

There are varied options available in terms of medicines and pills available for anxiety today, but the price also is too high. Wanting the easy way has proven to not be as easy as thought. Here are a few ways this little pill has opposed those who use them:

• Does not encourage long-term behavioral changes
• These medicines are addictive - especially the benzediazepines (such as Valium, Ativan, Klonipin, and Zanax probably the most addictive). It is suggested that you not take them for more than two or three weeks.
• Increased dosage will usually increase sedation and level of mental impairment
• Can increase sluggishness with time
• They often become less effective with regular use, thus demanding increased dosage
• Some require daily use, and won't begin working until 2 or 3 weeks have passed. The class of anxiety pills is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil.
• Often affects your sex drive - especially in women - 30 % of women are affected by Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.
• Some types will make you feeling "edgy" all the time - The drug BuSpar (generic name: buspirone)
• Some anxiety pills will make you sleepy - Benzodiazepines - don't drive while you're taking this medication.
• May develop a psychological dependence - The availability of theses drugs, and the frequency that they are prescribed, shows that the medical field is often just a quick to prescribe them as people are to think that they need them as their "solution" to anxiety. While we know that many people do go through times in their life where these anxiety pills may be needed, it seems that there may be alternative methods that are safer, and less disruptive to the normal way of life.

Alternative options for Anxiety treatment

One alternative to prescription anxiety pills is valerian, a natural herb that will have the same "calming" effect. This particular herb actually affects the same nerve receptors that the prescription medications do. Tests in 1993 have shown that valerian will actually work faster than other medications. It is effective in reducing depression and anxiety - and without the side effects. It also only took two weeks to begin to be effective, whereas some of the prescription drugs took longer. Other herbs are also available, such as Kava Kava, St.John's Wort, and Passion Flower. These are also known to help relieve anxiety and depression.

So before you head off to the doctor's to get some high priced medicine that has some negative and lasting side effects, try some of nature's stuff - that has been proven through the centuries. Of course, if you are already taking some of these medications, you will need to talk to your doctor before adding any herbal supplement.

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