Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression
The use of medication can help a lot of people manage anxiety, but they aren't the only solution. Exercise and psychotherapy can be effective treatments too.
Certain antidepressants can treat anxiety as well, such as SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and the fluoxetine (Prozac) paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Other medications, such as histamine blockers such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) may also offer relief.
Antidepressants
If you've been diagnosed with depression, your doctor could prescribe medication as part of your treatment plan. Antidepressants are one of the most frequently prescribed drugs and there are numerous kinds to pick from. The type of antidepressant your provider prescribes will depend on your symptoms, any other medical conditions and the goals of your treatment.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These medications alter the way that your brain's nerve cells communicate. These drugs work by increasing the number of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain which improves your mood and anxiety. It could take up to several weeks for antidepressants to begin to work and you should be patient.
The benzodiazepines are an alternative your doctor may recommend to treat depression and anxiety. These drugs are fast-acting and can be used to relieve anxiety and depression symptoms within a short amount of time. Examples of benzodiazepines include lorazepam and alprazolam. They block the actions of noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are hormones that are involved in the body's fight or flight.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are an older type of antidepressant which is also effective in treating depression and anxiety. They are typically prescribed to those who haven't responded to other antidepressants. They also require changes in diet to prevent hypertensive reactions caused by the amino acid tyramine.
If you're taking a prescription antidepressant, tell your doctor about the other medications you're taking, such as vitamins and supplements. You may need to decrease your dosage if you're using other medicines that impact the way antidepressants work or cause side effects. If you suspect you're having thoughts of suicide, get assistance right away by a health professional.
You might have different symptoms of anxiety and depression, or you could have a combination of depression and anxiety. Patients with comorbid anxiety as well as depression have a poorer medical prognosis as compared to those with only one disorder. Certain psychiatric drugs have been found to be especially helpful in treating both disorders for people who suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can ease anxiety symptoms, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide diazepam and lorazepam. These medications act on the benzodiazepine-receptors of the central nervous system that are transmembrane protein molecules that form an benzylchloride channel in the center. The benzodiazepine receptors also possess an affinity site for the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutryic acid type A (GABA-A). The benzodiazepines reduce nerve activity by increasing GABA-A levels.
The benzodiazepines have a fast time to begin their action, however they pose a risk of dependence and addiction. Antidepressants and antipsychotics, as well as anticonvulsants and buspirone have a slower time of action, however they are still better for long-term usage, since they do not cause tolerance or addiction.
Depression is often found to be a comorbidity of anxiety disorders , and antidepressants can help alleviate the symptoms of depression caused by anxiety. Many people with depression have a combination both of depressive and anxious symptoms. They'll have to mix medication and talk therapy to manage their symptoms.
In these instances benzodiazepines can be employed for a brief period to treat depression or anxiety symptoms while other medications are in effect. The medications are typically prescribed for a brief period of time, and not on a daily basis. These medications should not be taken for long periods of time as they can trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking or difficulty sleeping.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any issues with addiction, substance abuse or mental health. Your doctor can talk to you about possible adverse effects, and can suggest alternative medications if needed to treat depression.
If you've never used benzodiazepines in the past or take them in excess, they can cause grave and sometimes fatal complications. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant or have a history of liver disease or respiratory or digestive disorders or liver disease, your doctor might limit the duration of treatment or recommend lower doses. Alcohol can interact with benzodiazepines and could increase the risk of adverse effects and dependence, therefore you should not drink alcohol while taking them.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used as a medication to control anxiety symptoms. They are a different kind of drug from benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and are able to block receptors that adrenaline binds to. They also reduce the activity of the nervous system and brain. They can be used in lieu of benzodiazepines that are more addictive and have a higher dependency risk.
Beta blockers, that reduce blood pressure and slow the heart rate, are often prescribed to treat heart conditions. They can also be helpful for treating anxiety. They aren't FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorder. They are often employed "off label" for this purpose and are a viable alternative if other anti-anxiety drugs don't provide relief or have unacceptable adverse effects. They are especially effective in cases of social and performance anxiety, where uncomfortable physical symptoms can occur when an event triggers anxiety.
They can also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods for example, CBT or SSRIs. They are particularly useful as an add-on treatment for people suffering from GAD which is characterised by frequent and persistent worry that affects daily activities. They can also be helpful in reducing physical symptoms of anxiety, like an increased heart rate or sweating.
Beta-blockers may help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, they do not solve the mental issues that cause the anxiety. They are recommended as a complement to other treatments like benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Before you start taking beta-blockers, it is important to discuss with your doctor your medical history and any other health concerns.
These drugs are linked to lower psychiatric admissions as well as suicidal behavior, but the results may differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnoses and previous psychiatric histories. Additionally, they are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events in some patients.
Some natural ingredients have similar properties to beta-blockers but aren't as effective. They include antioxidants, garlic Saffron, and potassium. These natural supplements are not fully understood. Some of these products may cause serious side-effects, therefore it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking these supplements.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are used to alter the way that your brain functions. They inhibit the function of an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase. It reduces the chemical compounds serotonin and norepinephrine, which enable brain cells to communicate with each and each other. By blocking monoamine oxide, MAOIs ensure that you have more of these chemical messengers in your brain, which elevates your mood due to improved brain cell communication.
These medications are also effective in treating anxiety disorders, particularly agoraphobia and mixed depression-anxiety states. They are less effective in treating pure anxiety and may not be helpful in a panic attack. The effectiveness of MAOIs has been linked to their capability to increase serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. These neurotransmitters, produced naturally in the body, are released into the bloodstream, where they are transported to nerve cells and act as messengers.
The first antidepressant that was developed in the 1950s was iproniazid which blocked monoamine oxidase. This led to the development of other MAOIs, such as tranylcypromine isocarboxazid and fluoxetine, which 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. MAOIs could trigger serious withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped. They may also cause serious drug and food interactions.
A newer MAOI called MAOA-A, a selective, irreversible inhibitor is being investigated for its use in treating depression resistant to treatment. It is not recommended to be used in bipolar disorder because it could trigger manic symptoms. Another newer MAOI, selegiline (Eldepryl or Zelapar) is being investigated to treat Parkinson's disease. It blocks monoamine oxidase but does not affect other enzymes which break down levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's. These drugs can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other antidepressants. MAOIs may cause hyperreflexia and increased neuromuscular excitation in certain patients. This may manifest as eyelid twitching, as well as other signs. These reactions could be more frequent if these drugs are taken with certain foods, such as aged cheeses or cured meats.