5 Lessons You Can Learn From Medication For Anxiety Disorder And Depression

Medications For Anxiety Disorder and Depression Many people use medication to manage anxiety, but they aren't the only option. Exercise and psychotherapy can also be effective treatments. Some antidepressants, like SSRIs (citalopram, Lexapro, fluoxetine, Prozac, paroxetine, Zoloft) also help with anxiety. Other medications, such as histamine blockers such as Vistaril (hydroxyzine) may also help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants If you've been diagnosed with depression, your doctor may prescribe medication as part of your treatment plan. Antidepressants are among the most frequently prescribed medications, come in many different types. The type you choose by your doctor depends on the severity of your symptoms and any other medical issues you suffer from, as well as your treatment goals. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These medications alter the way your brain's nerve cells communicate. The drugs increase the number of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain which helps improve your mood and reduces anxiety. Antidepressants can take a while to show results, so be patient and adhere to your treatment. Benzodiazepines may also be prescribed by your doctor to treat depression or anxiety. They are quick-acting and can be used to relieve anxiety and depression symptoms in a short time. Examples of benzodiazepines include lorazepam and alprazolam. They inhibit the actions of noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are hormones that play a role in the body's fight or flight response. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are an older type of antidepressant which can be effective in treating anxiety and depression. They're typically reserved for people who don't respond to other types of antidepressants. They require dietary changes to avoid hypertensive reactions triggered by interactions with the amino acid tyramine. If you're taking an antidepressant prescription, tell your doctor about the other medications you're taking, including vitamins and supplements. You might need to reduce your dose if you're taking other medicines that can affect the way antidepressants function or if they trigger negative side effects. If you're worried that you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, seek assistance right away from a health care professional. You might have different symptoms for depression and anxiety or you may be suffering from comorbid depression and anxiety. Patients with comorbid anxiety as well as depression have a worse medical prognosis than those who only have one disorder. Certain psychiatric medications have been proven to be particularly effective in treating both disorders in people who suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety. Benzodiazepines Anxiety symptoms can be relieved by benzodiazepines, including alprazolam (Xanax) as well as the clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). These medications affect the central nervous system's benzodiazepine receptors, which are protein molecules consisting of five transmembrane subunits which form a benzyl chloride channel in the middle. The benzodiazepine-receptors also have an area that binds to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA A (GABA A). The benzodiazepines increase the concentration of GABA-A, decreasing the activity of the nerve and relaxing muscles. The benzodiazepines have a fast start of action, but they pose a chance of dependence and addiction. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics and buspirone all have a long duration of action, but are better options for long-term use because they don't produce dependence or tolerance. Depression is frequently found to be a comorbidity of anxiety disorders , and antidepressants are able to aid in reducing the symptoms of depression that are a result of anxiety. However, many people suffering from depression experience a combination of depressive and anxious symptoms and require an array of medications and therapy for talk to manage all their symptoms. In these situations, benzodiazepines can be used for brief periods of time to manage depression and anxiety symptoms until other medication takes effect. Typically, these drugs are prescribed for only just a few weeks at a time and are not prescribed daily. These medications should not be used for prolonged periods of time because they can cause withdrawal symptoms such as shaking or trouble sleeping. If you're thinking of taking benzodiazepines in the future, inform your doctor about any prior dependency or substance abuse issues as well as any other mental health issues you suffer from. Your doctor can discuss possible adverse effects and suggest other medications to treat your depression, if needed. Benzodiazepines can create serious and potentially life-threatening issues if you take too much or haven't previously used them. If you are nursing, pregnant or have any history of liver disease, respiratory or digestive disorders your doctor may suggest lower doses or limit the duration of treatment with these medications. Alcohol can interact with benzodiazepines, and can increase the chance of developing side effects and dependence, so you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medications. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers are a medication that can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are a kind of medication that is different from benzodiazepines like 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 that are more addictive and have a higher dependency risk. Beta blockers, which lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate, are often prescribed to treat heart problems. They are also beneficial in treating anxiety. However, they are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat of anxiety disorders . They are typically used “off label” to treat this condition and are a great alternative if other anti-anxiety drugs do not provide relief or have intolerable side effects. They are especially efficient in cases of social and performance anxiety, where physical symptoms may occur when an event triggers anxiety. They can also be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities for example, CBT or SSRIs. They are especially useful as an alternative therapy for people suffering from GAD. GAD is characterized by constant and recurring anxiety that affects everyday activities. They can also aid in reducing physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart or increased sweating. Beta-blockers can ease anxiety-related physical symptoms, but they don't address the underlying psychological issues that cause the condition. They are best used as a complement to other treatments like benzodiazepines and SSRIs. It is important to discuss your medical history and other health concerns with your doctor before taking beta-blockers. These drugs are associated with lower psychiatric admissions as well as suicidal behavior, but the results may differ based on the specific psychiatric diagnosis and past psychiatric histories. Additionally they are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular-related events in certain patients. Some natural ingredients have similar properties to beta-blockers, but are not as efficient. They include antioxidants, garlic the saffron plant and potassium. These natural ingredients aren't completely comprehended. Certain of these supplements can cause serious adverse side effects, so it is recommended to consult a doctor prior to taking them. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs alter the way that your brain functions. They interfere with the function of an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase. It reduces the chemical compounds serotonin and norepinephrine that allow your brain cells to communicate with one and each other. By blocking monoamine oxide, MAOIs allow more of these chemical messengers to remain in your brain. This improves brain cell communication, and boosts your mood. These medications are also effective for treating anxiety disorders. This includes anxiety, mixed depression and anxiety states. However, they are not as effective in states of pure anxiety and may not help with panic attacks. The effectiveness of MAOIs has been linked to their ability to increase dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. These neurotransmitters are produced naturally by your body, and are then released into the bloodstream, from where they travel to nerve cells, and act as a messenger between neurons. Iproniazid was the first antidepressant to be discovered in 1950. It blocked monoamine oxidease. This led to the development of other MAOIs, such as tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid, that have long been known to combat 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 may cause drug and food interactions and could cause severe withdrawal syndrome if stopped abruptly, MAOIs are typically only used for patients who fail to respond to other treatments. A newer type of MAOI, known as MAO-A, a selective and irreversible inhibitor, is under investigation for use in treating resistant depression. It is not recommended to use in bipolar disorder, as it can precipitate manic symptoms. Another newer MAOI, called selegiline (Eldepryl or Zelapar), is being studied for the 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 drugs can be taken either on their own or in conjunction with other antidepressants. In certain patients, the MAOIs could cause a reaction that results in increased neuromuscular excitability and hyperreflexia. This can manifest as muscle twitching, eyelid twitching, as well as other symptoms. These reactions are more common when these medications are used in conjunction with certain food items such as aged cheeses and cured meats.