Reducing Your Dependency on Anxiety Medications
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Many people are already be using anxiety medications and tranquillizers which they are hoping to be able to give up. Learning self-help skills to replace the medication is the surest way of being able to come off tranquillizers, but it is possible that the process will be made more difficult by withdrawal symptoms.
Not everyone experiences these, so don’t anticipate suffering as you cut down on the medication. However, you should always seek the advice of your doctor before modifying your medication and you should tell him or her if you are experiencing discomfort.
Common withdrawal symptoms to be aware of are:
- feelings of anxiety;
- loss of concentration, poor memory;
- agitation, restlessness;
- stomach upsets;
- over sensitivity;
- feelings of unreality;
- physical tensions and pains;
- appetite changes;
- difficulty sleeping.
If you are one of those who does experience symptoms of withdrawal, reassure yourself that they are temporary and that your body and mind will adjust to not using medication to deal with your fears and worries. When you do reduce your anxiety medication, try not to substitute alcohol or overeating or smoking for comfort, as these can cause you further problems to worry about.
