Best Options for Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications

Did you know almost 40 million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders? It is the most significant psychiatric disorder in the world! If you are suffering too, consider reaching out for help! With different treatment options, you will find a plan that works for you.

Treatment plans are available for anxiety, but almost 6 out of 10 individuals with anxiety symptoms do not receive treatment. The reasons for this could be any, but we are assuming it is because earlier, most anti-anxiety medications were highly controlled drugs. 

Are you struggling to keep up with your daily routine, with anxiety symptoms making it difficult? Are you hesitant to leave your comfort zone and visit a mental healthcare professional? If yes, visit Therapy Fleet now and get connected to an online healthcare provider instantly. Get the correct diagnosis, and get counseling and prescriptions for all mental health disorders.

7 Common Non-Addictive Anxiety Medications

People suffering from substance abuse often are hesitant to turn to anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax, which belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, because they have a high potential for abuse. But severe anxiety needs treatments, and that is why we present to you non-addictive anxiety medications as well. Let’s have a brief look at all of them;

1. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine and is non-habit-forming in nature. People using Vistaril for anxiety noticed a calming and soothing effect. Some common side effects are constipation, dry mouth, confusion, headache, and dizziness.

2. SSRIs

As mentioned earlier, SSRIs are used for treating different anxiety disorders, including GAD, OCD, phobias, and PTSD. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating mood. SSRIs are non-addictive anxiety medications and have minimal side effects. Some common side effects of SSRIs to watch out for are headache, nausea, dry mouth, sexual problems, drowsiness, and insomnia. 

Some common SSRIs

1. Citalopram (Celexa)
2. Escitalopram ( Lexapro)
3. Sertraline (Zoloft)
4. Paroxetine ( Paxil)

3. SNRIs

SNRIs are the same type of medication as SSRIs, but they also increase the levels of norepinephrine, which is responsible for alertness and focus. Some possible side effects of SNRIs are dry mouth, nausea, excessive sweating, and constipation, among many others.

Some commonly prescribed SNRIs are;

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR®)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)

4. Beta Blockers

Not the first choice for treating anxiety, beta blockers are often for off-label use for anxiety disorders and are commonly used as non-addictive anxiety medications. It blocks the effects of adrenaline, reducing heart rate and sensations of anxiety. It is mainly prescribed for anxiety in specific situations like public speaking. The most common beta blocker is propranolol (Inderal).

5. Buspirone

Buspirone changes the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain by influencing the neurochemical messaging of the serotonin receptor. Unlike SSRIs and SNRIs, Buspirone does not have sexual side effects but can cause fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Some common brand names are;

• Valspar
• Buspar

6. Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants were one of the first lines of antidepressants used in the yesteryear. The two most common ones are imipramine and clomipramine, but before turning off this class of non-addictive anxiety medications, your healthcare professional will try SSRIs or SNRIs.

7. Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Lyrica belongs to the calcium channel modulator class of medications. It is often used off-label for anxiety and insomnia. Pregabalin decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, leading to a calming effect.

When is Medication Required for Anxiety?

Mild cases of anxiety disorders do not require medicines, even if you decide to go for non-addictive anxiety medications. You can try cognitive behavioral therapy CBT before using medications.

Medications are prescribed when the stress gets hard to control and when anxiety is causing suicidal thoughts, depression, and substance misuse. People suffering from social anxiety, panic disorder, and GAD mostly require treatments. People with specific phobias are not likely to go for help.

Benzodiazepine for Anxiety Disorders? Is benzodiazepine addictive?

In the 1960s, Benzodiazepines were made for anxiety. Benzo leads to sedation and buildup of tolerance and imposes a risk of dependency. Plus, benzos only reduced the symptoms of anxiety, not treating the underlying issue causing this mental health condition. Benzos, like Xanax, are sedatives. Thus, it helps the person sleep.

Other addictive anti-anxiety are;

• Clonidine
• Gabapentin
• Wellbutrin

However, now, there are other options available; yes, we are talking about non-addictive anxiety medications. The two most common ones are;

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, and
2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Can Anxiety Be the Cause of Addiction?

Yes, anxiety disorders with substance use disorders percentages are high. People with anxiety or substance use disorder are at a high risk of the occurrence of the other. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, individuals with substance use disorders are at high risk of developing other mental health disorders like MDD, anxiety disorders, binge eating, ADHD, and personality disorders.

People suffering from two different mental health disorders have a difficult life. It impacts them physically, mentally, and socially. The sad part is there are treatment gaps in the behavioral field in treating substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions. 

1. Therefore, all addiction treatment professionals and the patients themselves should expect the development of any mental illness at some point during their recovery.
2. Individuals not in the process of recovery should know that certain drugs like Benzos, alcohol amphetamines, opioids, and cocaine aggravate the symptoms of anxiety. Most individuals self-medicate themselves for anxiety, which is not recommended. 

Individuals with substance abuse disorder must seek professional help. With the latest technology, non-addictive anxiety medicines are your best bet. And they are safe for long-term use.

What is Anxiety? Is Anxiety a Feeling

Some people think anxiety, feeling stressed or overwhelmed due to workload, etc, but it’s not only that. Anxiety has a whole range of anxiety disorders with different symptoms. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety is classified into nine types;

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: people with GAD are constantly worried and thinking about stuff without any apparent reason to do so. They are always fidgety and restless and have difficulty concentrating. The symptoms of GAD are similar to panic disorder and OCT. Almost 6.8 million adults in the US suffer from GAD.
2. Panic Disorder: often accompanied with panic attacks, about 6 million US adults suffer from panic disorder
3. Social Anxiety Disorder: people with social anxiety disorder have difficulty interacting with others in a social gathering. About 15 million adults suffer from it. 
4. Specific Phobias: phobia is not getting scared of something- it is an excessive fear of someone or something. One example is social phobia. Nineteen million adults in the US have phobias of different kinds. 
5. Stress- Acute stress disorder is not your daily stress. Living with it in your daily life will make it difficult for you. It is a chronic condition, and about ⅓ of Americans live with ACD symptoms in their daily lives. ASD is different from PTSD. Find out more on this blog.
6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: OCD comes with an excessive need to be organized with running thoughts, unreasonable fears, and compulsive behaviors. OCD is seen in 7.7 million adults in America. People usually wonder, can OCD be cured?
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD occurs after witnessing a traumatic experience, such as the loss of a loved one. Some symptoms of PTSD are nightmares, flashbacks, extreme anxiety, and depressive mood. Women are more vulnerable to PTSD, with 7.7 million adults suffering from it in the USA.
8. Major Depressive Disorder: MDD affects about 16.1 million adults in America. Some symptoms of MDD are difficulty sleeping, anxiety, sadness, mood swings, crying attacks, change in appetite, weight loss/gain, and restlessness. MDD is treated with Zoloft and Wellbutrin.
9. Persistent Depressive Disorder: When depression becomes chronic, it becomes a persistent depressive disorder. The symptoms last over two 2-years, affecting about 1.5% of Americans.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions and is treatable; you don’t have to suffer in silence. Medicine has advanced now, and new non-addictive anxiety medications are available.

Recognize Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Some common symptoms noticed in people living with anxiety are;

1. edgy and restless nature
2. difficultly concentrating
3. tension in the body.’
4. irritable in nature
5. changes in sleep patterns
6. anxiety vomiting

The Bottom Line

It’s time to move on in life. Anxiety, for some, can be crippling. No one wants to spend their lives fighting anxiety, with the physical symptoms taking control and always on the flight response. Go ahead and contact your medical provider without the risk of addiction to these drugs. Find the best non-addictive anxiety medication for you. See what dosage is working for you. Depending on your condition, symptoms, and the seriousness of the diagnosis, your doctor will adjust the dosage and recommend the best non-addictive anxiety medication and a treatment plan for you. The first line of treatment is always SSRIs.

Anxiety may challenge you, but it also shows your strength. Embrace each moment as a step towards becoming more resilient.

FAQS

1. What are non-addictive medications for anxiety?

Non-addictive anxiety medications are replacing tricyclic antidepressants because they offer relief from anxiety without causing addiction and have fewer side effects. The mechanism of action is different for these drugs.

2. Are there any non-habit-forming anxiety medications?

Non-habit-forming or non-addictive anxiety medications are available in the pharmacy. There are several types of non-addictive anxiety medications with different class of drugs.

3. Are all anxiety medications addictive?

No, with the advancements in the field of medicine, many non-addictive anxiety medications are taking over the classic benzos, which were used previously for anxiety.