Medication to tackle phobias

[Mark]

As phobias lead to increased anxiety and stress one of the more popular ways to challenge the situation is to use medication. While not necessarily advised on a long-term basis, medication can at least help you to gain some control in the short to medium term. Beta-blockers will help to reduce the flow of adrenaline which pumps through your body at the first sign of your phobia, antidepressants can give your mood a boost and there are various drugs on the market which will reduce the impact of anxiety.

Obviously any medication should only be taken after consulting with doctors and medical professionals.

 

[Craig]

SSRI's - Selective Seratonin reuptake inhibitors are not going to work for a phobia or anxiety.

All they are going to down is dull the sensation and not address why or how it is happening. We can work with people on medication as long as it is in conjunction with the GP knowing and being informed or via referral.

Craig.

 

[Mark]

Is medication a short-term solution for acute phobia/anxiety sufferers as a means of "taking the edge" of their episodes?

 

[Craig]

As the medication will dull virtually any sensation, of course it could be. Yet if you are more oblivious to it and not caring as much when you stop taking the medication the resulting problem is still there. Unless of course you seek any form of reputable help to recode it and move forward.

Craig.

 

[Mark]

I have always been against long-term medical assistance but in reality I think for some conditions it is perhaps life changing.

 

[Beattheblues]

There is the obvious danger that any type of medication could become something of a "crutch" for those suffering phobias. As mentioned above, any type of medication to fight your phobias/panic attacks should be taken in conjunction with your doctor.