15 Things You Don't Know About Medication For Anxiety Disorder And Depression
Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression
The use of medication can help a lot of people manage anxiety, but they're not the only option. Exercise and psychotherapy can be effective treatments, too.
Certain antidepressants, including SSRIs (citalopram, Lexapro, fluoxetine, Prozac, paroxetine, Zoloft) also treat anxiety. Others, like histamine blockers such Vistaril (hydroxyzine) can also help relieve anxiety.
Antidepressants
If you've been diagnosed with depression, your doctor could prescribe medication as part of a treatment plan. Antidepressants are one of the most common prescription drugs and there are a variety of kinds to choose from. The type of antidepressant your doctor prescribes will depend on your symptoms, 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. They accomplish this by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters, which helps improve mood and anxiety. It can take up to several weeks for antidepressants begin to work, so be patient.
Benzodiazepines may also be prescribed by your doctor to treat anxiety or depression. They are quick-acting and can be used to alleviate depression and anxiety 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 involved in the fight or flight response.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are an antidepressant of a different type that can be effective in treating depression and anxiety. They are typically prescribed to patients who haven't responded to other antidepressants. They also require dietary changes to prevent hypertensive interactions caused by the amino acid tyramine.
Inform your doctor if are taking an antidepressant on prescription. This includes vitamins and other supplements. You might need to reduce the dosage if you're taking other medications that affect how well antidepressants function or cause adverse effects. Seek help immediately if you have thoughts of suicide.
There are many signs of anxiety and depression, or you may have a comorbidity of depression and anxiety. Patients with comorbid depression as well as anxiety have a less favorable medical prognosis than people who suffer from either disorder on their own. Certain psychiatric medications have been proven to be particularly effective in treating both disorders for those who suffer from depression and anxiety comorbidly.
Benzodiazepines
Anxiety-related symptoms can be alleviated through benzodiazepines. They include alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs act on the central nervous system's benzodiazepine receptors which are protein molecules consisting of five transmembrane components that create a benzyl-chloride channel in the middle. The benzodiazepine-receptors also have a site that binds the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutryic type A (GABA A). The benzodiazepines reduce nerve activity by increasing levels of GABA-A.
Benzodiazepines have a rapid start of action, but they pose a risk for dependence and addiction. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics and buspirone all have a longer onset of action but are more suitable for long-term use because they don't produce tolerance or create addiction.
Depression is frequently found to be comorbid with anxiety disorders, and antidepressants may help reduce the depressive symptoms that are a result of anxiety. However, many people with depression suffer from a mix of both anxious and depressive symptoms and will need a combination of medication and therapy to manage all of their symptoms.
In these instances, benzodiazepines may be utilized for a short period of time to control depression or anxiety symptoms while other medications work. These medications are usually prescribed for a short period of time, not on a daily basis. These medicines should not be used for extended periods of time as they can cause withdrawal symptoms such as shaking or trouble sleeping.
If you're considering taking benzodiazepines, inform your doctor about any past substance abuse or dependence issues and any other mental health issues you may have. Your doctor will be able to discuss potential side effects and recommend alternative treatment options for your depression, if required.
If you have never used benzodiazepines before or if you take them in excess they could cause serious and even fatal complications. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or have a history of liver disease or respiratory or digestive disorders your doctor may suggest lower doses or reduce 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 a medication that can aid in the control of anxiety symptoms. They are a type of medication different from benzodiazepines like Xanax and they work by blocking the receptors that adrenaline bonds to. They also slow down brain and nervous system activity. They are a viable alternative to benzodiazepines that come with a higher chance of dependence and addiction.
Beta blockers, which reduce blood pressure and slow heart rate, are commonly prescribed to treat heart problems. They can also be helpful for treating anxiety. However, they are not specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of anxiety disorder . These drugs are used "off-label" to treat anxiety disorders. They are a good alternative if other antianxiety drugs aren't working or have undesirable side consequences. They are particularly effective in situations of social anxiety and performance anxiety, where uncomfortable symptoms can occur during events that trigger anxiety.
They can also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as CBT or SSRIs. They are especially effective as an additional treatment for people suffering from GAD that is characterized by constant and persistent anxiety that affects daily activities. They can also be helpful in managing physical symptoms of anxiety, like an increased heart rate or sweating.
While beta-blockers can help to alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't solve the mental issues that cause the anxiety. They are best used as a complement to other treatments, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines. It is essential to discuss your medical history as well as any other health issues with your doctor before taking beta-blockers.
These medications are associated with lower psychiatric admissions as well as suicidal behavior, however the outcomes can differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnosis and previous psychiatric histories. In addition they are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in some patients.
Some natural ingredients contain similar properties to beta-blockers but aren't as efficient. These include antioxidants, as well as saffron, garlic, and potassium. The effectiveness of these natural products is not fully understood. Certain of these supplements can cause serious adverse side effects, so it is best to consult with an expert prior to taking them.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
MAOIs work by altering the way your mind works. They inhibit the function of an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase. This enzyme breaks down the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, which allow your brain cells to communicate with each with each other. By blocking monoamine oxide, MAOIs allow more of these chemical messengers to stay in your brain. This enhances brain cell communication and improves your mood.
These drugs are also effective in treating anxiety disorders. This includes anxiety, mixed depression and anxiety states. However, they are less effective in states of pure anxiety and might not help with panic attacks. The MAOIs' effectiveness has been linked to their ability to increase serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. These neurotransmitters are naturally produced in the body, are released into the bloodstream, where they are transported to nerve cells and function as messengers.
The first antidepressant developed in the 1950s was Iproniazid, which inhibited monoamine oxidase. This led to the development of other MAOIs like tranylcypromine isocarboxazid and fluoxetine, which are widely 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 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 studied for its use in treating depression resistant to treatment. generalized anxiety disorder is not recommended to use in bipolar disorder because it could trigger manic symptoms. Another MAOI that is newer, selegiline (Eldepryl or Zelapar) is being researched to treat Parkinson's disease. It blocks monoamine oxidese but it does not alter other enzymes that break down levodopa the primary treatment for Parkinson's. These medications can be used either on their own or in combination with other antidepressants. MAOIs may cause hyperreflexia and increased neuromuscular excitation in certain patients. This can manifest itself as eyelid twitching or muscle flickering. These reactions can be more common when these drugs are taken along with certain food items such as aged cheeses or preserved meats.