Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression
Many people have found that medication can help them manage anxiety. However they aren't the only option. Exercise and psychotherapy are effective treatments, too.
Some antidepressants work to treat anxiety as well, such as SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Others, such as histamine blockers such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) can help relieve anxiety.
Antidepressants
If you're diagnosed with depression, your doctor may prescribe medication as part of a treatment program. Antidepressants are among the most common prescription drugs, and there are many types to choose from. The type of medication your doctor prescribes depends on the severity of your symptoms, any other medical conditions you suffer from, as well as your the goals of your treatment.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by altering the way nerve cells within your brain communicate. These drugs work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain, which improves your mood and anxiety. It could take up to several weeks for antidepressants start working therefore, be patient.
The benzodiazepines are an alternative your doctor may recommend to treat anxiety and depression. These are very fast-acting medications and are used as a short-term solution to ease the immediate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Examples of benzodiazepines are alprazolam and lorazepam. They inhibit the action of noradrenaline and adrenaline which are hormones that play a role in the fight or flight response.
Monoamine inhibitors of oxidase are a type of antidepressant which can be effective in treating anxiety and depression. They are usually reserved for those who aren't responding to other types of antidepressants. They also require changes in diet to prevent hypertensive reactions triggered by interactions with amino acids like tyramine.
If you're taking a prescription antidepressant, tell your doctor about all other medicines you're taking, including vitamins and supplements. You may need to decrease your dosage if you're using other medicines that affect how well antidepressants function, or if they cause adverse effects. If you suspect you're having thoughts of suicide, get assistance right away by a health professional.
You may have different signs of anxiety and depression, or you may have a comorbidity of depression and anxiety. People who have comorbid anxiety and depression have a poorer medical prognosis as compared to those with only one disorder. Certain psychiatric drugs have been proven to be especially helpful in treating both disorders in people who suffer from depression and anxiety comorbidly.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety symptoms can be alleviated by benzodiazepines, including alprazolam (Xanax) as well as clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications act on the benzodiazepine-receptors in the central nervous system that are transmembrane protein molecules that make up a benzylchloride channel at the central. The benzodiazepine receptors also have an association site for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutryic acid type A (GABA-A). The benzodiazepines increase the concentration of GABA-A, thereby decreasing nerve activity and relaxing muscles.
Benzodiazepines are renowned for their rapid onset but also high risks of dependence and addiction. Antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and buspirone have a longer onset of action however they are the best choice for long-term use since they don't produce tolerance or create addiction.
Anxiety and depression are often comorbid, and antidepressants may help reduce depressive symptoms that are associated with anxiety. However, many people with depression suffer from a mix of both anxious and depressive symptoms and require an array of medications and therapy to manage all of their symptoms.
In these instances, benzodiazepines may be utilized for a short period of time to treat depression or anxiety symptoms while other medications take effect. Typically, these drugs are prescribed for only a few weeks at a time, and are not used on a daily basis. Taking benzodiazepines for extended periods of time can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as shaking and trouble sleeping, so these medications should only be used according to the instructions of your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have ever had any issues with substance abuse, dependence or mental health. Your doctor can talk to you about possible adverse effects, and suggest other drugs if required to treat depression.
If you've never used benzodiazepines before or if you are taking them in excess they could cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects. If you are nursing, pregnant or have an underlying liver disease or respiratory or digestive disorders your doctor may suggest lower doses or restrict the duration of treatment with these drugs. Alcohol can interact with benzodiazepines, and could increase the risk of adverse effects and dependence, therefore it is advised not to drink alcohol while you are taking them.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are an aid to manage anxiety symptoms. They are a kind of medication distinct from benzodiazepines such as Xanax and they block the receptors that adrenaline binds. They also slow down brain and nervous system activities. They can be an alternative to benzodiazepines that have a higher risk of dependence and addiction.
Beta blockers are frequently prescribed to treat heart problems, and can be helpful in treating anxiety since they lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate. They are not FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders. They are frequently employed "off label" to treat this condition and are a great option if other anti-anxiety medications do not offer relief or do not have acceptable side effects. They are especially efficient in cases of performance anxiety and social anxiety, where uncomfortable symptoms can manifest in situations that cause anxiety.
They can also be used in conjunction with other treatment options, such as CBT or SSRIs. They are especially effective as an add-on therapy for people suffering from GAD that is characterized by frequent and persistent worry that interferes with daily life activities. They can also assist in managing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as the racing heart or the increased sweating.
Beta-blockers may help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't solve the psychological issues that contribute to the condition. They are recommended as a complement to other treatments like benzodiazepines and SSRIs. It is crucial to discuss your medical history and any other health concerns with your doctor before taking beta-blockers.
These medications are associated with decreased psychiatric admissions and suicidal behaviors, however the outcomes can differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnoses and the psychiatric history of the past. In addition, they are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular-related events in certain patients.
Some natural products contain similar properties to beta-blockers, but are not as effective. These include antioxidants, as well as saffron, garlic, and potassium. These natural ingredients aren't fully understood. Certain supplements could cause serious side effects, so it's best to consult an expert before taking them.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are used to alter the way your brain functions. They inhibit the function of an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase, which breaks down the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, which allow brain cells to communicate with each other. By blocking monoamine oxide, MAOIs allow more of these chemical messengers to stay in your brain. This improves brain cell communication, and elevates your mood.
These medications are also effective in treating anxiety disorders, especially anxiety disorders like agoraphobia and mixed depression and anxiety states. They are less effective in treating pure anxiety, and they may not help in a panic attack. The MAOIs' effectiveness has been linked to their capacity to boost serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters are produced naturally in the body are released into the bloodstream where they are absorbed by nerve cells and function as messengers.
Iproniazid was the very first antidepressant to be developed in 1950. It blocked monoamine oxidease. This led to the development of other MAOIs, such as tranylcypromine isocarboxazid, and fluoxetine, that are used to treat depression. MAOIs are usually prescribed after other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, have been tried without success. Because they may cause drug and food interactions and can lead to a severe withdrawal syndrome if stopped suddenly, MAOIs are typically only utilized for patients who fail to respond to other treatments.
A newer type of MAOI, known as a selective and irreversible MAO-A inhibitor, is being investigated for use in treatment resistant depression. It is not recommended to use in bipolar disorder because it can cause manic symptoms. Selegiline, a newer MAOI (also known as Zelapar or Eldepryl) is being studied to treat Parkinson's disease. It blocks monoamine oxidase but does not affect other enzymes which breakdown levodopa, which is the primary treatment for Parkinson's. These medications can be taken in conjunction with other antidepressants. MAOIs may cause hyperreflexia and increased neuromuscular excitation in some patients. This may manifest as muscle twitching, eyelid twitching and other signs. These reactions are more prevalent when these drugs are taken along with certain foods such as aged cheeses and preserved meats.