Anyone know if it is more harmful to take anti-anxiety meds or sleep aids than to deal with stress naturally?

Question

If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and also have great difficulty sleeping ... do you think the meds cause more damage to your body, or do you think by not taking the meds to reduce anxiety and help your body sleep, that the stress would cause more harm to the body in the long run?

Does it make more sense to get a good night's sleep and feel healthy, rather than irritable and unable to concentrate?

Aside from the dangers of addiction to meds of course, what do you think is more healthy? With or without meds?

Answer 1

Most of the anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids available today are relatively safe if taken as prescribed by a responsible doctor.

It is healthy to experience some level of stress and anxiety in ones life. But if you have an anxiety disorder then the anxiety and stress is interfering with your life. In that case, medication is probably better than no medication.

I started having anxiety attacks about 9 years ago. I have taken medication for it, and I have found that it has been helpful. Over the years I have taken less and less medication for anxiety as it has come under control.

You may also want to consider light exercise. This is something I find helps a lot with anxiety too. Simple things like walking around the block, doing a little yard work or a short swim can do a lot of good.

Jonnyravens suggestion of getting therapy is also a good idea. One thing that works well for a lot of people is 'cognitive behavior therapy'.

Answer 2

Healthier without meds, of course. If you will take meds, consult your doctor. They will normally advise you to take meds for only a few days to stabilize your sleeping pattern so you get used to it again.

You can also try herbal sleep supplements, they are safe and not as strong as real meds.

Answer 3

It is always better not to take medications if you don't need them. In your case with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder taking medications is appropriate.
You should consider getting counseling to see if you can learn coping skills to deal with your anxiety so that in the future you will not need medications

Answer 4

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 5

Check out St. Johns wort, it's an herbal suppliment that has success greater than placebo and similar to that of perscribed medications. Also, exercise late in the day, it will ware you out and make you sleep better, try it once, you'll see. good luck

Answer 6

if your Dr prescibed the medicine you should take it for as long as you are suppose to. however if you are getting your meds from the street, stop. seek help with a proffessional.