Non-Addictive
Anxiety Medicine
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If the fear of becoming dependent on medication has held you back from treating your anxiety, this guide is for you. Many people avoid seeking help because they assume every anxiety medication is habit-forming, but that is far from the truth.
Here we understand what anxiety medication is and how doctors decide which treatment fits each person, and the full range of non-addictive options available, from SSRIs and SNRIs to buspirone, beta blockers, hydroxyzine, and more.
We also look at their side effects, how supplements fit in, and what realistic results to expect, so you can walk into a conversation with your provider feeling informed and reassured.
How Do I Know if I Need Anxiety Medication?
What does anxiety mean to you? Well, to one it’s worry, to another it’s fear, stress, or nervousness, but it is beyond that.
Everyone experiences worry from time to time and encounters life stressors, but anxiety disorders are way beyond those feelings. It often involves excessive fear, restlessness, racing thoughts, sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and even physical symptoms such as fidgeting, chest tightness, profuse sweating, or rapid heartbeat. These symptoms can become so overwhelming and intense that they interfere with individuals’ daily lives.
Anxiety is a highly treatable and manageable condition. Most people can manage their symptoms to a point where they no longer affect their daily life.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, then you might just need to consider an anti-anxiety medication. Although some individuals worry that needing medication means they are weak or “broken”, the fact is, anxiety treatment is the same as treatment for any other medical condition. Mental health needs to be treated with as much priority as physical health.
Pros and Cons of Anxiety Medication
Anxiety medications aren’t a one-size-fits-all thing; what works for one might not work for another. What is effective might vary from person to person. Healthcare providers factor in a lot before recommending the medication to be started.
Factors like the patient’s medical history, family history, cause and nature of anxiety, underlying conditions and comorbidities, and the patient’s treatment preference are discussed in depth during psychiatry visits before an anxiety medication is prescribed.
There are various medications for anxiety; however, the majority of people believe these medications are addictive or habit-forming and become reluctant to seek treatment.
Nevertheless, while medications such as the “renowned” Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium, which belong to the class called benzodiazepines, provide instant relief, they also pose a risk of dependence, which becomes incredibly difficult to quit.
Especially when they are used improperly or for lengthy periods. Because of this, many psychiatrists often trial non-addictive options first, especially for long-term management.
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What is the best non addictive anti anxiety medication
Antidepressants: SSRIs and SNRIs
Diving into the non-addictive medications for anxiety, the first-line treatments and most commonly prescribed are the antidepressants, such as the SSRIs and SNRIs. One might wonder, “Antidepressants for anxiety? I do not have depression; it’s anxiety.” Yeah, do not be concerned with the naming.
SSRIs, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, include medications such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and escitalopram, with common brand names Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro, respectively. SNRIs include medications such as venlafaxine (brand name Effexor) and duloxetine (brand name Cymbalta).
Other Antidepressants: Mirtazapine and Bupropion
Mirtazapine, as well as bupropion, are also antidepressants that are non-addictive options for anxiety. They are not a part of the SSRIs and SNRIs but are used to treat anxiety.
Mirtazapine (Remeron):
Mirtazapine, known under the brand name Remeron, is primarily indicated for major depressive disorder, but it is also used to treat generalized anxiety, panic, and social anxiety disorders by providing rapid calming and improved sleep effects, making it highly effective for anxiety-related insomnia. It often works faster than standard SSRIs.
It also has antiemetic properties, which can be beneficial for nervous stomach issues or gastrointestinal distress associated with anxiety.
While mirtazapine provides anxiolytic benefits, patients have reported common side effects like dry mouth, severe drowsiness, particularly at lower doses, and increased appetite leading to weight gain, hence making it is not an ideal anxiolytic for patients concerned about weight gain.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) :
Whereas bupropion, commonly known as Wellbutrin, is effective for depressive anxiety, that is, it can handle anxiety that occurs alongside depression. It is also a great recommendation for individuals who experience attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety by boosting motivation and focus. Unlike mirtazapine, it does not cause weight gain; in fact, it aids weight loss and is also a great option for anxious individuals trying to quit smoking, as it curbs nicotine cravings.
Conversely, one con of this medication as a non-addictive anxiolytic is that it may worsen anxiety or trigger jitters in some people. It also has some side effects like increased insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, and even gastrointestinal disturbances.
It also poses a risk of seizure to both patients with and without a history of seizure, especially at a significantly high dose; therefore, regular follow-up is advised, and patients are instructed to discontinue the medication immediately and permanently in that case. Bupropion is usually considered when traditional treatments like SSRIs are ineffective.
Buspirone (Buspar)
Another medication that is commonly discussed in anxiety treatment is buspirone, with the common brand name Buspar. Buspirone is specifically indicated for the treatment of anxiety. It is not an antidepressant but solely an anxiolytic.
It is considered to treat generalized anxiety disorder and has been reported by most patients to be highly effective, but unlike fast-acting sedatives, it requires patience, consistent daily use, and takes 2 to 4 weeks to reach its full effects. It carries no risk of dependence, although it cannot be used as an “as-needed” rescue medication to stop sudden panic attacks or acute stress.
Buspirone presents with mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and patients are strictly warned to avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking the medication.
Beta Blockers
The beta blockers are another category of non-addictive medications used for anxiety, with propranolol and atenolol as the most common choices. Although they are primarily used for hypertension and cardiovascular conditions, psychiatrists prescribe them for short-term use on an as-needed basis to manage situational anxiety like job interviews, fear of flying, and performance anxiety, commonly known as stage fright, and physical anxiety symptoms like a racing heart, shaking, and sweating.
However, it is usually avoided in patients with asthma and diabetes, and patients are often advised to monitor their blood pressure regularly to prevent low blood pressure or reduced heart rate if it is used frequently.
Hydroxyzine
Furthermore, hydroxyzine is another option that mental health providers prescribe, especially for short-term anxiety symptoms or sleep difficulties related to anxiety. It is actually an antihistamine, but it provides similar but non-addictive effects compared to benzodiazepines. It can even be used for flight anxiety in place of a benzodiazepine.
Hydroxyzine has calming effects for certain individuals, with its onset time being as fast as 15 to 30 minutes. Its common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, or headache.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
There are also the TCAs known as tricyclic antidepressants, which include amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, and nortriptyline. They primarily help to manage clinical depression, but can be effective for anxiety, particularly generalized anxiety disorder.
Nonetheless, because they are older medications with a higher risk of side effects like constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, increased heart rate, drowsiness, and orthostatic hypotension, as a result, they are typically reserved for when newer, safer medications like SSRIs or SNRIs prove ineffective.
Gabapentin
To add to the non-addictive anxiety medication, there is gabapentin, an anticonvulsant primarily used for the treatment of partial seizures and nerve pain. This medication has been proven to have a calming effect on the brain. Consequently, it is a valuable, though controversial, consideration for anxiety treatment, especially treatment-resistant anxiety.
When first-line medications like SSRIs and SNRIs have been ineffective, gabapentin is a good alternative to trial since it utilizes a completely different neurological pathway. Its most common side effects are vertigo, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Are there supplements for anxiety
Also to mention, some individuals, in the bid to avoid medication, opt to try out supplements. Supplements like magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, vitamin B complex, L-theanine, N-acetylcysteine, or lavender oil.
These supplements can support mood, reduce stress, and be effective for mild to moderate anxiety. They can also be used as adjunct therapy but must be safely used under a provider’s guidance.
However, they are not meant to entirely replace prescription medications for anxiety, especially severe or chronic anxiety disorders.
There are various medications for anxiety; however, the majority of people believe these medications are addictive or habit-forming and become reluctant to seek treatment.
Nevertheless, while medications such as the “renowned” Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium, which belong to the class called benzodiazepines, provide instant relief, they also pose a risk of dependence, which becomes incredibly difficult to quit.
Especially when they are used improperly or for lengthy periods. Because of this, many psychiatrists often trial non-addictive options first, especially for long-term management.
Non addictive anti anxiety medication
There is no one best universal anti-anxiety medication. While non-addictive anxiety medications are helpful, the fact is that they are not entirely void of side effects. Side effects tend to vary based on medication and individuals, but they mostly resolve with time, sometimes with changes to the treatment plan. A regular follow-up with a psychiatrist is of great importance when taking this medication.
Overall, non-addictive anxiety medications are highly effective in preventing anxiety and panic attacks, but less effective as acute response medications for anxiety. They tend to work better at preventing anxiety than at stopping it right when it has its onset.
They cannot be relied upon for fast, short-term relief of panic attacks or severe acute anxiety, as they take up to 2 to 6 weeks to build up before significant benefits are noted. So it may be less effective for emergency one-time situations like boarding a flight. Nevertheless, they have helped many people regain stability and improve their quality of life.
They may not provide instant results, but they can be effective and sustainable options for long-term anxiety management. More importantly, people struggling with anxiety should know that help is available, treatment options exist, and recovery is possible. Schedule a visit with us today at GABA Telepsychiatry to discuss the best care for you.
Anxiety is a highly treatable and manageable condition. Most people can manage their symptoms to a point where they no longer affect their daily life.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, then you might just need to consider an anti-anxiety medication. Although some individuals worry that needing medication means they are weak or “broken”, the fact is, anxiety treatment is the same as treatment for any other medical condition. Mental health needs to be treated with as much priority as physical health.
Understand non addictive treatment options that help you feel calmer, confident and regain peace of mind
