An intense panic attack is usually followed by the administration of anti anxiety medicaltion to prevent other similar episodes. However, tranquilizers represent just a temporary relief method that can only be used in perfect safety for a very short period of time, due to the high risk of side effects. Here are some of the paradoxical and troublesome adverse reactions triggered by anti-anxiety medication in general. While the major benefit from their use consists of the relaxation of the nerves, too much soothing can make the patient feel sleepy even when you need alertness.
Since anti-anxiety medication blocks the secretion or the release of certain chemicals at the level of the central nervous system, this may often result in a poor coordination, lack of energy and slow reflexes. Some people also complain about dizziness, confusion, disorientation and impaired thinking, not to mention the impossibility to operate machines and drive. The long-term use of anti-anxiety medication is also associated with the appearance of depression with or without suicidal feelings. The problem is that such drugs not only eliminate anxiety but also make it impossible for one to feel pleasure or even pain, which can often go hand in hand with depression.
Some reactions to anti-anxiety medication are truly paradoxical. For instance, tranquilizers are supposed to induce calm and relaxation, but an increase of the irritability and agitation level has sometimes been signaled out. Plus, mania, hostility and even rage have been noticed in some cases. Although very rare and equally dangerous, aggressive behaviors and hallucinations are also possible as a result of anti-anxiety medication use. More than half of the peculiar reactions to anti-anxiety drugs has been reported with children or the elderly, as well as with people that suffer from some developmental disabilities.
Therefore, the choice of the treatment to stop anxiety attacks requires utmost care and it usually involves the use of a complementary therapy rather than the administration of drugs. Anti-anxiety medication only reduces or stops the symptoms without improving the health condition in any way. The factor or the problem responsible for the panic attacks is still there, somehow kept under control, and once the medical treatment is discontinued, anxiety will be back all over again. Therefore, all the treatment efforts should be directed towards attacking anxiety and depression by proper diagnosis and identification of the causes behind the disorder.
