Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression
The use of medication can help a lot of people manage anxiety, but they aren't the only option. Exercise and psychotherapy can be powerful treatments too.
Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (citalopram, Lexapro, fluoxetine, Prozac, paroxetine, Zoloft) also treat anxiety. Others, such as histamine blockers such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) can provide relief.
Antidepressants
If you're diagnosed with depression, your doctor could prescribe medication as part of your treatment plan. Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications, come in many different types. The type of medication your doctor prescribes is based on the severity of your symptoms and any other medical issues you suffer from, and your the treatment goals.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by altering the way your brain's nerve cells communicate. They do this by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters that improves mood and anxiety. It could take up to several weeks before antidepressants begin working therefore, be patient.
Benzodiazepines are a different option that your doctor might use to treat depression and anxiety. These are very fast-acting medications, and they can be utilized as a short-term remedy to alleviate the immediate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Benzodiazepines are lorazepam, alprazolam and other. They block the actions of adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones, which play a role in the body's fight or flight response.
Monoamine oxidase inhibiters are an antidepressant type older that can be 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 interactions caused by the amino acid tyramine.
If you're taking a prescription antidepressant inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, such as vitamins and supplements. You might need to reduce your dose if you're taking other medicines that impact the way antidepressants work or if they trigger adverse effects. If you suspect you're having thoughts of suicide, seek 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 with comorbid anxiety and depression are more likely to have a negative medical prognosis than those who have only one disorder. Certain psychiatric medications have been found to be especially helpful in treating both disorders in people with comorbid anxiety and depression.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines can ease anxiety symptoms, such as alprazolam, clonazepam and chlordiazepoxid diazepam, lorazepam, and diazepam. These medications act on the benzodiazepine-receptors of the central nervous system which are five transmembrane protein molecules that make up a benzylchloride-channel at the center. The benzodiazepine receptors also have an affinity site for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutryic acid type A (GABA-A). The benzodiazepines function by increasing the GABA-A concentration, thus decreasing the activity of the nerve and relaxing muscles.
Benzodiazepines are known to have a quick onset of action, but they have a high risk for dependence and addiction. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics and buspirone all have a long duration of action, however they are the best choice for long-term use because they do not cause dependence or tolerance.
Depression and anxiety disorders are often co-occurring, and antidepressants may help reduce symptoms of depression that are linked with anxiety. However, many people suffering from depression experience a combination of depressive and anxious symptoms and require a combination of medication and talk therapy to control all of their symptoms.
In these cases, benzodiazepines can be employed for brief periods of time to manage anxiety and depression symptoms until other medication takes effect. Usually, these medications are only prescribed for just a few weeks at a stretch and are not prescribed daily. These medications should not be used for prolonged durations as they can cause withdrawal symptoms such as shaking or difficulty sleeping.
If you're considering taking benzodiazepines, tell your doctor about any previous dependence or substance abuse issues, as well as any other mental health issues you have. Your doctor can talk to you about possible adverse effects, and recommend other drugs if required to treat depression.
If you've never used benzodiazepines before or if you take them in excess they can lead to grave and sometimes fatal complications. 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 time you are treated with these medications. Alcohol can interact with benzodiazepines and could increase the chance of developing side effects and dependence, so it is advised not to drink alcohol while taking them.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be utilized as an aid to manage anxiety symptoms. They are a kind of medication that is different from benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and they block the receptors to which adrenaline binds. They also reduce the activity of the nervous system and brain. They can be utilized as an alternative to benzodiazepines that are more addictive and have a higher dependency risk.
Beta blockers, that reduce blood pressure and slow heart rate, are often prescribed to treat heart ailments. They are also beneficial in treating anxiety. They aren't FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorder. They are frequently employed "off label" to treat this condition and are a great alternative when other anti-anxiety medications do not provide relief or have unacceptable side effects. They are particularly efficient in cases of social anxiety and performance anxiety, where uncomfortable symptoms can manifest during events that trigger anxiety.
They can be used in combination with other treatment options such as CBT and SSRIs. They are especially useful as an alternative therapy for people with GAD. GAD is characterized by constant and recurring anxiety that affects everyday activities. They can also aid in managing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or increased sweating.
Beta-blockers can ease physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the underlying mental issues that contribute to the condition. They can be used to supplement other treatments, like benzodiazepines and SSRIs. It is crucial to discuss your medical history and other health issues with your doctor prior to taking beta-blockers.
These drugs are linked to lower psychiatric admissions as well as suicidal behaviors, however the outcomes can differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnosis and previous psychiatric histories. In some patients, they may also increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
There are some natural products that have beta-blocker-like properties, but they are not as effective as prescription medications. These include antioxidants, as well as saffron, garlic and potassium. The effectiveness of these natural supplements is not fully realized. Some of these products may cause serious side-effects, therefore it is recommended to consult with a physician before taking these supplements.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) work by changing the way your brain functions. They inhibit the activity of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. It breaks down the chemical serotonin and norepinephrine that enable brain cells to communicate with one with each other. By blocking monoamine oxide, MAOIs allow more of these chemical messengers to remain in your brain. This enhances brain cell communication and improves your mood.
These medications are also effective in treating anxiety disorders. This includes agoraphobia, mixed depression and anxiety states. However, they are not as efficient in the case of anxiety that is pure and may not be helpful in panic attacks. The effectiveness of MAOIs has been linked to their ability to increase dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters, which are naturally produced by the body, are released into the bloodstream where they are absorbed by nerve cells and serve 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 like tranylcypromine or isocarboxazid, that have been used for a long time 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 can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped. They can also trigger serious food and drug interactions.
A newer MAOI called MAOA-A, which is a selective and irreversible inhibitor is being researched for its potential use in treating depression that is resistant to treatment. It is not recommended to treatment of bipolar disorder because it could trigger manic symptoms. Another newer MAOI, called selegiline (Eldepryl or Zelapar) is being researched to treat Parkinson's disease. It blocks monoamine oxidase, but does not affect the other enzymes that break down levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's. These drugs can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other antidepressants. In certain patients, MAOIs may cause a reaction that results in hyper-reflexia and neuromuscular excitability. This can manifest as muscle twitching, eyelid twitching, and other signs. These reactions are more common when these drugs are taken in conjunction with certain food items like aged cheeses and preserved meats.