5 Clarifications On Medication For Anxiety Disorder And Depression
Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression Many people have found that medication can help them manage anxiety. However they're not the only option. Psychotherapy and exercise can be powerful treatments too. Certain antidepressants, such as 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've been diagnosed with depression, your doctor might prescribe medication as part of a treatment program. Antidepressants are one of the most frequently prescribed drugs and there are numerous types to choose from. The type of antidepressant your provider prescribes will depend on your symptoms, any other medical conditions and treatment goals. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These work by changing the way that nerve cells in your brain communicate. They do this by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters that helps improve mood and anxiety. Antidepressants can take a while to produce results, so take your time and adhere to your treatment. Benzodiazepines can also be prescribed by your doctor to treat anxiety or depression. These are very fast-acting medications and are used as a short-term solution to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Examples of benzodiazepines include lorazepam and alprazolam. They inhibit the actions of adrenaline and noradrenaline which are hormones that play a role in the body's fight or flight response. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a more traditional type of antidepressant which can also be effective in treating anxiety and depression. They're typically reserved for people who aren't responding to other types of antidepressants, and they require dietary changes to avoid hypertensive reactions caused by interactions with amino acids like tyramine. If you're taking an antidepressant prescription be sure to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking, such as vitamins and supplements. You may need to reduce the dosage if you are taking other medications that affect the way antidepressants work, or if you experience side effects. Seek help immediately if you have thoughts of suicide. You may have different signs of anxiety and depression, or you could have a combination of depression and anxiety. People with comorbid anxiety and depression are more likely to have a negative medical prognosis compared to those with only one disorder. Certain psychiatric medications have been shown to be particularly effective in treating both disorders in people who suffer from depression and anxiety comorbidly. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are a great way to relieve anxiety symptoms, such as alprazolam, clonazepam, chlordiazep diazepam and lorazepam. These drugs act on the central nervous system's benzodiazepine receptors, which are protein molecules comprised of five transmembrane subunits which create a benzyl-chloride channel in the center. The benzodiazepine receptors have a binding site for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutryic acids type A (GABA-A). The benzodiazepines reduce nerve activity by increasing the levels of GABA-A. The benzodiazepines have a fast start of action, but they have a high risk of dependence and addiction. Antipsychotics and antidepressants, along with anticonvulsants and buspirone are slower in the onset of action, but are still better for long-term use, as they don't cause tolerance or addiction. Anxiety and depression are often co-occurring. antidepressants can help decrease depressive symptoms that are associated with anxiety. Many people suffering from depression suffer from a combination both of anxious and depressive symptoms. They'll have to mix medication and talk therapy to control their symptoms. In these cases, benzodiazepines may be employed for a brief period to treat depression or anxiety symptoms while other medications take effect. Typically, these drugs are only prescribed for several weeks at a time, and are not prescribed daily. Taking benzodiazepines for extended periods of time could cause withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and sleeplessness, so these medications should only be taken according to the instructions of your physician. Discuss with your doctor if have ever had any issues with addiction, substance abuse or mental health. Your doctor can inform you about the possible side effects, and suggest other drugs if required to treat depression. Benzodiazepines can create serious and even life-threatening complications when you take too much or have never previously taken them. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant or have a history of liver disease, respiratory or digestive diseases or liver disease, your doctor may limit the duration of treatment or require lower doses. Alcohol can negatively interact with benzodiazepines, thereby increasing the risk of side-effects and dependence. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking these drugs. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers can be used as an aid to manage anxiety symptoms. They are a type of medication distinct from benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and they are effective by blocking the receptors that adrenaline binds. They also reduce brain and nervous system activity. They can be used in lieu of benzodiazepines, which are more addictive and carry a higher dependency risk. Beta blockers are frequently prescribed for heart ailments and are effective in treating anxiety since they lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate. 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 offer relief or do not have acceptable adverse effects. They are particularly effective in cases of performance anxiety and social anxiety, in which physical symptoms can occur 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 addition therapy for people with GAD. GAD is characterized by constant and frequent 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 help ease physical symptoms of anxiety, but they do not address the underlying psychological issues which contribute to the condition. They are best used to complement other treatments, like benzodiazepines or SSRIs. Before you start taking beta-blockers, it is important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and any other health issues. The use of these medications has been linked to a reduction in suicidal and psychiatric hospitalisations However, the results differ according to the specific psychiatric diagnosis and the psychiatric history of the past. In some patients, they may also increase the risk of heart attacks. Some natural products contain similar properties to beta-blockers, but are not as effective. They include antioxidants as well as saffron, garlic and potassium. The effectiveness of these natural supplements is not yet fully known. Certain of these products can cause serious side-effects, so it is recommended to consult with a physician before taking them. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs alter the way your mind works. They block the activity of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. It breaks down the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine that allow brain cells to communicate with one with each other. By blocking monoamine oxidase, MAOIs help to keep more chemical messengers in your brain, which elevates your mood due to improved brain cell communication. These drugs are also effective in treating anxiety disorders. This includes anxiety as well as mixed depression and anxiety states. They are less effective in treating pure anxiety and might not help in a panic attack. The MAOIs' effectiveness has been linked to their capability to increase dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine levels within 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 developed in the 1950s was iproniazid, that inhibited monoamine oxide. This led to the creation of other MAOIs like tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid, that have been around for decades 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. Because they can cause drug and food interactions and could cause severe withdrawal syndrome if stopped suddenly, MAOIs are typically only prescribed to patients who are unable to respond to other treatments. A newer form of MAOI, dubbed MAO-A, a selective and irreversible inhibitor, is being studied for use in treating resistant depression. It is not recommended for use in bipolar disorder, since it may trigger manic symptoms. Another MAOI that is newer, selegiline (Eldepryl or Zelapar) is being investigated for treatment of Parkinson's disease. It blocks monoamine oxidase, but does not affect the other enzymes which break down levodopa, the main treatment for Parkinson’s. These medications may be used alone or in combination with other antidepressants. MAOIs may cause hyperreflexia and increased neuromuscular excitation in certain patients. This may manifest as a twitching of the muscles or eyelid moving. These reactions are more common when these drugs are taken together with certain foods such as aged cheeses or preserved meats.