Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression
Many people use medication to manage anxiety, but they're not the only solution. Psychotherapy and exercise can be effective treatments.
Some antidepressants, like SSRIs (citalopram, Lexapro, fluoxetine, Prozac, paroxetine, Zoloft) also treat anxiety. Other medications, such as histamine blockers like Vistaril (hydroxyzine), can also offer relief.
Antidepressants
If you've been diagnosed with depression, your doctor might prescribe medication as part of a treatment plan. Antidepressants are one of the most common prescription drugs, and there are many kinds to choose from. The type of medication your doctor prescribes is based on the severity of your symptoms as well as any other medical conditions you have, 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 drugs work by altering the way your brain's nerve cells communicate. The drugs increase the amount neurotransmitters in your brain, which improves your mood and anxiety. Antidepressants can take several weeks to yield results, so be patient and adhere to your treatment.
Benzodiazepines are another option your doctor might use 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. Benzodiazepines are lorazepam, alprazolam and others. They inhibit the actions of noradrenaline and adrenaline hormones, which are involved in the body's fight or flight response.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a more traditional type of antidepressant which is also effective in treating anxiety and depression. They're often reserved for people who don't respond to other antidepressants, and they require dietary changes to avoid hypertensive reactions that result from interactions with amino acids like tyramine.
Inform your doctor if are taking an antidepressant with a prescription. This includes supplements and vitamins. You may need to reduce the dosage if other medications interfere with how antidepressants work or if you experience side effects. If you suspect you're having thoughts of suicide, get assistance right away from a medical professional.
You might have different symptoms of anxiety and depression, or you could have a combination of depression and anxiety. Those with comorbid depression and anxiety suffer from a worse medical prognosis than those who suffer from either disorder on their own. Certain psychiatric medications have been shown to be especially helpful in treating both disorders in people who suffer from depression and anxiety comorbidly.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety-related symptoms can be alleviated by drugs known as benzodiazepines, including alprazolam (Xanax) as well as Clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications affect the central nervous system's benzodiazepine receptors, which are protein molecules comprised of five transmembrane subunits which form a benzyl chloride channel in the center. The benzodiazepine-receptors also possess one that binds to the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutryic type A (GABA A). The benzodiazepines inhibit nerve activity by increasing levels of GABA-A.
Benzodiazepines are known to have a quick onset of action, but they pose a risk for dependence and addiction. Antidepressants and antipsychotics, as well as anticonvulsants as well as buspirone have a slower time of action, but are still better for long-term use, as they do not cause dependence or tolerance.
Depression is often found to be a comorbidity of anxiety disorders, and antidepressants are able to aid in reducing the symptoms of depression associated with underlying anxiety. Many people suffering from depression suffer from an overlapping of anxious and depressive symptoms. They'll have to combine medication and talk therapy to control their symptoms.
In these instances, benzodiazepines may be used for a short time to control depression or anxiety symptoms while other medications take effect. Typically, these medications are prescribed for only just a few weeks at a time and are not used on a daily basis. When taking benzodiazepines over a long period of time can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and difficulty sleeping and insomnia, so these drugs should only be taken as directed by your physician.
Inform your doctor if you have ever had any issues with addiction, substance abuse or mental health. Your doctor will be able to discuss potential side effects and recommend other treatments for depression, if required.
Benzodiazepines can create serious and potentially life-threatening issues when you take too much or have not used them before. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any history of liver disease, digestive or respiratory problems Your doctor may recommend lower doses or limit the time you are treated with these drugs. Alcohol can interact with benzodiazepines, and can increase the risk of side effects and dependence, therefore you should not drink alcohol while taking these medications.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a medicine that can aid in the control of anxiety symptoms. They are a form of medication distinct from benzodiazepines such as Xanax and are effective by blocking the receptors that adrenaline binds. They also slow down the activity of the nervous system and brain. They can be used as an alternative to benzodiazepines that are more addictive and have a higher dependency risk.
Beta blockers, which reduce blood pressure and slow heart rate, are commonly prescribed to treat heart ailments. They can also be beneficial for treating anxiety. They are not FDA-approved for treating anxiety disorder. These medications are used "off-label" to treat anxiety disorders. They are an excellent alternative when other antianxiety medications do not work or cause unacceptable side negative effects. They are especially efficient in cases of social and performance anxiety, where uncomfortable physical symptoms can occur during events that trigger anxiety.
They can be used in combination with other treatment options like CBT and SSRIs. They are particularly useful as an add-on therapy for those with GAD, which is characterized by frequent and persistent worry that affects daily activities. They can also aid in managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or increased sweating.
Beta-blockers can ease anxiety-related physical symptoms, but they don't address the underlying mental issues that contribute to the condition. They are best used as a supplement to other treatments such as benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Before you start taking beta-blockers, it is crucial to talk to your doctor about your medical history as well as any other health issues.
These drugs are linked to decreased psychiatric admissions and suicidal behavior, but the outcomes can differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnoses and past psychiatric histories. In addition, they are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events in certain patients.
There are some natural products that have beta-blocker properties, however, they aren't as effective as prescription medications. These include antioxidants, as well as saffron, garlic and potassium. The efficacy of these natural products isn't fully realized. Certain of these products can cause serious side-effects, so it's best to consult a doctor before taking these supplements.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
MAOIs alter the way your mind works. They block the function of an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase. This enzyme breaks down the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin, which allow brain cells to communicate with each other. By blocking monoamine oxidase, MAOIs keep more of these chemical messengers in your brain, which improves your mood through improved brain cell communication.
These medications are also effective for treating anxiety disorder s. This includes anxiety as well as mixed depression and anxiety states. However, they are less 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 capacity to boost serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. These neurotransmitters are naturally produced by your body, and are then released into the bloodstream, where they are transported to nerve cells, and act as a messenger between neurons.
The first antidepressant to be developed in the 1950s was iproniazid which blocked monoamine oxidase. This led to the development of other MAOIs, like tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid, which have long been known to help 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 if suddenly stopped. They can also have serious drug and food interactions.
A newer form of MAOI, dubbed MAO-A, a selective and irreversible inhibitor, is being investigated for use in treating resistant depression. It is not recommended for use in bipolar disorder because it could trigger manic symptoms. Another newer MAOI, called selegiline (Eldepryl or Zelapar) is being investigated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It blocks monoamine oxidase but does not interfere with other enzymes that break down levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's. These medications can be taken as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other antidepressants. MAOIs can trigger hyperreflexia as well as increased neuromuscular excitation in some patients. This can manifest as eyelid twitching and other symptoms. These reactions are more frequent when these medications are taken in conjunction with certain food items such as aged cheeses and preserved meats.