15 Things You Didn't Know About Medication For Anxiety Disorder And Depression
Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression Many people find that medications aid in managing anxiety. However they're not the only option. Exercise and psychotherapy can also be effective treatments. Some antidepressants work to treat anxiety as well, such as SSRIs such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro), the fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Other medications, such as histamine blockers such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) may also provide relief. Antidepressants Your doctor might prescribe medication to treat depression. Antidepressants are one of the most common prescription drugs and there are a variety of types to choose from. The type of antidepressant that 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 drugs work by altering the way that your brain's nerve cells communicate. These drugs work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain which enhances your mood and reduces anxiety. It could take up to several weeks for antidepressants to begin working and you should be patient. The benzodiazepines are an alternative your doctor might use to treat depression and anxiety. These drugs are fast-acting and can help relieve anxiety and depression symptoms in a short time. The Benzodiazepines include lorazepam, alprazolam and other. They block the action of adrenaline and noradrenaline which are hormones that participate in the fight or flight reaction. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a more traditional type of antidepressant that is also effective in treating anxiety and depression. They're often reserved for people who aren't able to respond to other antidepressants, and they require dietary adjustments to avoid hypertensive reactions triggered by interactions with the amino acid tyramine. If you're taking a prescription antidepressant be sure to inform your doctor of the other medications you're taking, including supplements and vitamins. You may have to decrease the dosage if other medications are affecting how well antidepressants work or if they cause side effects. Contact a doctor immediately if have thoughts of suicide. You might have different symptoms of depression and anxiety, or you might have comorbid depression and anxiety. People who have comorbid anxiety and depression have a worse medical prognosis as compared to those with only one disorder. Certain psychiatric drugs have been shown to be particularly effective in treating both disorders in those with a comorbidity of anxiety and depression. Benzodiazepines Anxiety symptoms can be alleviated by drugs known as benzodiazepines, including alprazolam (Xanax) and the clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs work by affecting the benzodiazepine-receptors of the central nervous system, which are 5 transmembrane protein molecules that make up an benzylchloride channel in the center. The benzodiazepine-receptors also have a site that binds the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA A (GABA A). The benzodiazepines decrease nerve activity by increasing levels of GABA-A. Benzodiazepines are known to have a quick time to begin their action, however they pose a chance of dependence and addiction. Antipsychotics and antidepressants, along with anticonvulsants and buspirone are slower in the onset of action, but are still beneficial for long-term use because they do not produce dependence or tolerance. Depression is frequently found to be associated with anxiety disorders, and antidepressants are able to help alleviate the symptoms of depression that are a result of anxiety. Many people suffering from depression suffer from an overlapping of anxious and depressive symptoms. They'll have to combine medication with talk therapy in order to manage their symptoms. In these instances benzodiazepines can be utilized for a short period of time to control depression or anxiety symptoms while other medications take effect. Usually, these medications are prescribed for only a few weeks at a stretch and are not prescribed daily. Taking benzodiazepines for extended periods of time could cause withdrawal symptoms, like shaking and sleeplessness and insomnia, so these drugs should only be taken as directed by your doctor. If you're considering taking benzodiazepines, inform your doctor about any previous substance abuse or dependence issues, as well as any other mental health problems you may have. Your doctor will be able to discuss potential side effects and recommend alternative medications to treat your depression, if required. Benzodiazepines can create serious and even life-threatening complications in the event that you consume too much or have not previously taken them. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or have any history of liver disease or digestive or respiratory problems, your doctor may require lower doses or reduce the duration of your treatment with these medications. Alcohol can interact with benzodiazepines and can increase the risk of side effects and dependence, therefore you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking them. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a medication that can be used to help control anxiety symptoms. They are a kind of medication that is different from benzodiazepines like Xanax and block the receptors that adrenaline bonds to. They also slow brain and nervous system functions. They could be a good alternative to benzodiazepines, which come with a higher risk of addiction and dependence. Beta blockers are frequently prescribed for heart conditions and are effective in treating anxiety because they reduce blood pressure and slow the heart rate. However, they are not specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications are used “off-label” to treat anxiety disorders. They are an excellent alternative if other antianxiety drugs aren't working or have undesirable side negative effects. They are especially efficient in cases of performance anxiety and social anxiety, where unpleasant symptoms can occur when you are experiencing events that trigger anxiety. They can also be utilized in combination with other treatment methods like CBT or SSRIs. They are particularly effective as an alternative therapy for people with GAD. GAD is characterized by constant and frequent anxiety that can hinder everyday activities. They can also assist in managing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or increased sweating. Beta-blockers may help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, they don't tackle the psychological issues that contribute to the condition. They can be used to supplement other treatments, like benzodiazepines or SSRIs. It is essential to discuss your medical history as well as any other health concerns with your doctor prior to taking beta-blockers. These drugs are linked to lower psychiatric admissions as well as suicidal behavior, however the outcomes can differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnosis and previous psychiatric histories. In certain patients, they may also increase the risk of heart attacks. There are a few natural products that have beta-blocker properties, however, they aren't as effective as prescription drugs. These include antioxidants, garlic, saffron and potassium. The effectiveness of these natural supplements isn't fully understood. Certain of these products could cause serious adverse side effects, so it is recommended to consult a physician prior to taking them. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are used to alter the way your brain functions. They inhibit an enzyme called monoamine oxide that breaks down chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine and other chemicals that allow your brain cells to communicate with each other. By blocking monoamine oxidase, MAOIs ensure that you have more chemical messengers in your brain, which boosts your mood through improved brain cell communication. These medications are also effective in treating anxiety disorders, specifically anxiety disorders like agoraphobia and mixed depression and anxiety states. However, they are not as effective in states of pure anxiety 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, naturally produced in the body are released into the bloodstream, where they travel to nerves cells and act as messengers. The first antidepressant that was developed in the 1950s was iproniazid which inhibited monoamine oxidase. This led to the creation of additional MAOIs, like tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid, which 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 when abruptly stopped. They can also trigger dangerous interactions with food and drugs. A newer MAOI, MAOA-A, which is a selective and irreversible inhibitor is being researched for its potential use in treating depression resistant to treatment. It is not recommended to use in bipolar disorder since it may cause manic symptoms. Selegiline, a newer MAOI (also known as Eldepryl or Zelapar) is being studied for Parkinson's treatment. It blocks monoamine oxidase, but does not interfere with other enzymes that 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 can cause hyperreflexia and increased neuromuscular excitation in some patients. This may manifest as a twitching of the muscles or eyelid twitching. These reactions are more frequent when these medications are used along with certain foods such as aged cheeses or preserved meats.