Medications For Depression And Anxiety: Balancing Brain Chemistry

Did you know that the medications for depression and anxiety are almost the same? What works for depression works for anxiety, although these two mental disorders are of different types.

Depression vs. Anxiety

Depression is a mental disorder that can disrupt the normal life of a person. It can cause a person to resort to self-isolation or worse, self-destruction.

Anxiety on the other hand is a different thing altogether. A feeling of butterflies in the stomach is one of its indications, as for example when you are about to face an audience or sweating of the palms when you are in a stressful state.

Having a mild and manageable anxiety is acceptable; however, if it escalated to a high level that last for more than a day, it can disrupt the normal functioning of the person. Prolonged anxieties can lead to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or specific types such as phobias, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

It's Normal to Feel Blue and Anxious at Times

Getting depressed and anxious at times is normal. And healthy, too, in fact. It is alright to get neurotic and get anxious over stressful situations. However if the condition escalates to the psychotic level, the patient will most likely need medications for depression and anxiety quickly.

When do you Need Medication?

You only need medication when the feelings of depression and anxiety goes longer than is expected, say a few months, and if having those feeling interfere with the normal flow of life.

Nonetheless, taking medications for depression and anxiety are not always recommended immediately. People are more advised to seek psychotherapy. If self-healing can still be done, the patient must submit to it and resort to medications as the last resort. He can use self-healing together with psychotherapy so that he can get guidance from specialists in this field. But if it is a condition wherein medication is necessary, it must be done with close supervision from medical experts.

Types Of Depression Medications

There are three types of depression medication. They are designed to work on any or all of the brain neurotransmitters. These brain neurotransmitters are called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known to prevent the re-absorption of serotonin in the brain. They are the latest among anti depressant medicines and they are the most prescribed by physicians due to the fewer side effects that they bring.

The next type is the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). TCAs work on the two neurotransmitters, the serotonin and norepinephrine. They are older than SSRIs but they are not readily being prescribed to patients due to the greater number of side effects that they have.

The third type is the Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These are found effective to some people who do not respond to other types of medications. Taking these medicines requires a close supervision of the diet. There are certain types of food that when taken with this product will cause adverse reactions. Also, it must not be taken with SSRI at the same time. Allow at least three weeks to pass before taking one after the other. Having them reacting in the body at the same time can lead to a fatal injury known as serotonin syndrome.

Anti Anxiety Medicines

Most of the anti-depression medicines are also used as anti-anxiety. Most medicines approved for such treatment fall under the SSRI type. There are also some types of medicines that are specifically used as anti-anxiety medicines. Benzodiazepines are one type of this medicine. It is a fast acting anti-anxiety medicine and the side effects are few. Among the side effects noted were drowsiness, loss of coordination, confusion and fatigue. People taking this medication are recommended to rest.

There are different types of medications for anxiety and disorder and SSRI is the most prescribed antidepressant because of its effectiveness. It is much safer for use, too, unlike the older forms of antidepressants.

Take any of the medications for depression and anxiety only if a physician prescribes it. Also, take a considerable time to get to know each medication better; ask your physician questions that might help you. It is advisable so that you know what to expect from such medications.