ANXIETY DISORDERS: WITHDRAWAL FROM MEDICATION
Withdrawal from medication, including anti-depressants, may mean a return of high levels of anxiety and panic attacks, and some of us may experience other symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal must be done under the supervision of a doctor. Cognitive behavioural techniques have been found to assist in withdrawal from tranquillisers and high success rates for withdrawal using these techniques have now been demonstrated (Otto et al. 1994). There are tranquilliser support groups in some states who can help to support us during this phase of our recovery. But remember, withdrawal must be done under medical supervision.
Medication, in any form, takes control and power away from us. It doesn’t teach us the necessary skills to gain control over our lives. In some cases it is necessary in the short term, but it is not a long-term answer.
Anti-depressants are now becoming widely used in the treatment of panic disorder/agoraphobia, with varying degrees of success in keeping the anxiety and the panic attacks at bay. While antidepressants are very important in helping to contain any reactive depression, they do not teach the necessary management skills. When medication is used, it should be in conjunction with other therapies.
As most people do not like taking medication of any sort, it is not unusual for people to simply stop taking it. This may have serious consequences. Withdrawal from any medication must be done under medical supervision.
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