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 main benefit from their use is the state of calm and relaxation, sometimes drugs can relax you to the extent that you feel drowsy all the time.

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 have even reported impaired thinking, confusion, dizziness and disorientation, not to mention the impossibility to drive or operate machines. The long-term use of anti-anxiety medication is also associated with the appearance of depression in very severe forms that push one on the verge of suicide. Drugs do eliminate the anxiety discomfort, but they also make it impossible for the sufferer to experience pain or pleasure thus affecting the quality of life in very many ways.

Some reactions to anti-anxiety medication are truly paradoxical. For instance, the use of tranquilizers aims at inducing relaxation and calm, but in certain cases drugs can increase the agitation and the irritability level. 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. The majority of paradoxical reactions to anti-anxiety medications are usually encountered with the elderly and children, as well as with patients with developmental disabilities.

Consequently, choosing the treatment to stop anxiety attacks well and complementing it with some other form of therapy represent essential stages for the patient’s full recovery, and thus should be considered as priorities for any treatment program or approach. Anti-anxiety medication only reduces or stops the symptoms without bringing an improvement to the health condition in any way. The factor or the problem that generates the panic attacks is still there, somehow camouflaged, and once you cease taking the medication, anxiety will be back all over again. Therefore, the therapeutic efforts should be directed towards attacking anxiety and depression by identifying and eliminating the cause and not merely treating the unpleasant symptoms of anxiety.