Other Drugs That Can Cause Depression
Some other medications that may be linked to depressive side effects include:
- Acne medications
- Problems with appetite or weight
- Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
- Thoughts of death or suicide
It can be helpful to write down details like when your symptoms first started and when they are the most severe. With many medications, you may begin to start noticing such symptoms within the first few weeks after you begin a new drug.
Because many medications that can cause depression are not prescribed to treat mental health conditions, people may not be adequately warned of this possible risk.
It is also difficult to know what your individual reaction to a drug may be, or how it may interact with other medications that you are currently taking. For this reason, it is important to always fully inform your doctor about anything else you are taking, including any over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. Always talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects after taking a medication.
Symptoms Of Emotional Blunting
Emotional blunting means that your feelings and emotions are so dulled that you neither feel up nor down. You simply feel “blah.” People who experience emotional blunting will often report:
- Being less able to laugh or cry even when appropriate
- Feeling less empathy for others
- Loss of motivation and drive
- Not being able to respond with the same level of enjoyment that you normally would
Emotional blunting often co-occurs with other symptoms such as slowed thinking, decreased libido, and loss of concentration.
Statins And Other Cholesterol
While statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs for lowering cholesterol, other drugs, such as fibrates, colesevelam, ezetimibe, and nicotinic acid can also be used for this purpose.
There have been some reports linking these drugs with depression. It is thought that these drugs may cause depression by lowering the levels of cholesterol in the brain, where it serves many important functions.
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Speaking With A Professional
A mental health professional can help you identify the specific coping strategy and lifestyle changes that can help you manage your symptoms. Although it can be difficult, make sure to be as honest as possible about the symptoms and challenges that you face. Together, you and your mental health professional can work toward developing customized coping strategies.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Discussion Guide
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
How Effective Are Antidepressants
Antidepressants are usually prescribed when psychotherapy or counseling does not work in cases of mild depression. Benefits are more pronounced in cases of moderate to severe depression. According to some studies, 40%-60% of people with moderate to severe depression noticed an improvement in their symptoms within 6-8 weeks.
Since there are a wide variety of antidepressants available, and since each person has unique brain chemistry, its difficult to predict how your body will respond to certain medications.
Your doctor will make a prescription based on what they think will be the most effective for you and what your body will likely be able to tolerate. It may take a few different medications before finding one that works the best for you.
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Anxiety And Poor Sleep
Anxiety can cause you to lose sleep, either because you have trouble falling asleep when you first lie down, or because worries wake you up when youd otherwise be sleeping. If thats the case, you may be feeling extra tired during the day.
The relationship between sleep and anxiety is complex. Anxiety can disrupt your sleep and the lack of sleep can eventually make you more anxious. In a , people with insomnia were 9.8 times more likely to have anxiety than the people in the study who didnt have insomnia.
The night shift and anxiety
- studies show.
- Talk to a therapist. A psychologist or counselor may be able to help you identify your anxiety triggers and develop coping skills that lead to less anxiety and greater relaxation.
- Consider medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your symptoms warrant treatment with anti-anxiety medication.
When to seek medical help
If anxiety is interfering with your sleep, your relationships, or your ability to function throughout the day, its probably time to talk with a healthcare provider about it. Anxiety can cause serious health problems if left untreated too long, so its a good idea to reach out to a health professional to help you identify any underlying causes and come up with a workable treatment plan.
When To See A Doctor
Anyone experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder should see their doctor, who can recommend therapy, medications, or a combination of both.
To diagnose an anxiety disorder, doctors will typically carry out a physical examination to check for any underlying conditions and ask a person about their symptoms.
They may also perform a psychological evaluation and compare the personâs symptoms to the American Psychiatric Associationâs criteria for anxiety disorders.
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How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed
To diagnose anxiety disorders, your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may also have a physical exam and lab tests to make sure that a different health problem is not the cause of your symptoms.
If you don’t have another health problem, you will get a psychological evaluation. Your provider may do it, or you may be referred to a mental health professional to get one.
Risks Of Anxiety Disorder Medications
Like any medication, those designated for anxiety disorders can carry some risks. There are a range of side effects, which, depending on the medication, can include dry mouth, diarrhea/constipation, lower appetite, sleep issues, nausea and heartburn. Some medications can also spark feelings of nervousness, irritability or, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Because these side effects can pose significant health problems, a doctor should be consulted if any of them appear.
Patients should also make sure their physicians know about anything they may be taking that could interfere with anxiety disorder medications. That includes over-the-counter drugs, herbal or vitamin supplements, other medications or even regular consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
Finally, anxiety disorder medications such as benzodiazepines carry the risk of abuse and addiction. Some medications can have a powerful effect on the brain and if they are taken frequently, a tolerance can develop. That means more of the medication needs to be taken to obtain the desired effect, and continued, accelerated use can lead to dependency. If the medication dependency interferes with a persons daily life and take the drug becomes the sole focus, it can indicate a possible addiction. People who abuse antidepressants and benzodiazepines over a long period of time may also suffer withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using the medication.
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What Are Ssris And Snris
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Zoloft and Prozac, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like Effexor and Pristiq are antidepressant medications, but they can help with anxiety symptoms as well. For this reason, many providers will prescribe an SSRI or SNRI if you have a combination of depression and anxiety.
SSRIs and SNRIs are not an instant fix for symptoms associated with an anxiety disorder, nor do they even provide immediate relief, Alonzo said. They work by interacting with the neurotransmitters and receptors in your brain, which can help regulate mood, sleep and energy levels. It is important for patients to understand that these medications may take four to six weeks for full effect.
Some patients may respond better to one of these medications than others. If after taking the medication for two weeks and symptoms have not improved, talk to your provider to have your medication regimen adjusted. Treatment trials with more than one medication are not uncommon.
The Effects Of Anxiety On The Body
Anxiety is a normal part of life. For example, you may have felt anxiety before addressing a group or in a job interview.
In the short term, anxiety increases your breathing and heart rate, concentrating blood flow to your brain, where you need it. This very physical response is preparing you to face an intense situation.
If it gets too intense, however, you might start to feel lightheaded and nauseous. An excessive or persistent state of anxiety can have a devastating effect on your physical and mental health.
Anxiety disorders can happen at any stage of life, but they usually begin by middle age. Women are more likely to have an anxiety disorder than men, says the National Institute of Mental Health .
Stressful life experiences may increase your risk for an anxiety disorder, too. Symptoms may begin immediately or years later. Having a serious medical condition or a substance use disorder can also lead to an anxiety disorder.
There are several types of anxiety disorders. They include:
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You Regularly Fly Off The Handle
Do you find yourself getting annoyed or irritated by the smallest little things? If it happens a lot, it could be a sign of anxiety.
Researchers at Concordia University recently found a possible reason for this link. According to the researchers, when the outcome of a situation could be good or bad, anxious people tend to assume the worst. That results in heightened anxiety.
Calming your anxious thoughtsnaturally or with the help of an anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a cliniciancan improve your mood and relationships.
Zinc And Copper Orotate
Zinc deficiency triggers mood changes and memory disorders. It upregulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein used to regulate mood and stress.
As per one Australian study, participants who had zinc intake in the diet has a 30-50% lower chance of having depression. Combined with copper, zinc doses can boost up your mood with the least side effects.
- Dose: 15mg zinc orotate with 1-2mg copper orotate per day.
- Intake Time: Once daily with a meal
- Tips & warnings: Avoid combining with meals high in iron, calcium, and phytates , and higher does use to vegans is recommended.
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The Role Of Medication For Treating Anxiety Disorders
If a doctor considers medication necessary, there are different types to choose from. Again, they can be combined with psychotherapy, which typically takes the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, or used on their own. A doctor should continually monitor the treatment plan and make adjustments when necessary to achieve the best results.
Anxiety medications are given by prescription only, and different medications are used for different types of anxiety disorders. It is important to note that medication is generally used to treat and relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders and should not be considered a cure-all. The major types of anxiety medications include:
What Is It Like To Have Gad
I was worried all the time and felt nervous. My family told me that there were no signs of problems, but I still felt upset. I dreaded going to work because I couldnt keep my mind focused. I was having trouble falling asleep at night and was irritated at my family all the time.
I saw my doctor and explained my constant worries. My doctor sent me to someone who knows about GAD. Now I am working with a counselor to cope better with my anxiety. I had to work hard, but I feel better. Im glad I made that first call to my doctor.
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Doctors Can Help With Antidepressant Side Effects
Most antidepressants are well tolerated, but side effects are a possibility. When first starting antidepressants, some people have mild stomach upset, headache or fatigue, but these side effects often diminish in the first few weeks as the body adjusts. Some people gain weight, though many stay weight neutral, and some even lose weight, Dr. Cox says.
Problems with sexual desire or function are fairly common, but this isnt inevitable or irreparable, she says.
A lot of patients feel nervous talking about that with their provider, but I want people to feel free to talk to me about that, she says. There are things we can do to help, such as adding a low dose of another medication.
You Have Mysterious Aches And Pains
One of your bodys ways of coping with stress is to tighten your muscles and get poised to fend off an attack. You may find yourself clenching your jaw or hunching your shoulders. No wonder youre constantly achy or in pain.
Mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and yoga can help relieve your anxietyand those aching muscles. But if those solutions dont ease your symptoms, you may not be successfully controlling your anxiety.
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Antidepressants Are Not Just For Depression
Antidepressants are a class of drug that includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and atypical antidepressants .
These drugs might be called antidepressants, but they also work to treat anxiety. Typically, higher doses are needed for anxiety than for depression.
How Long Does It Take For Antidepressants To Work
Antidepressants are not magic pills that solve everything right away from the first dose. Since they work at the neurotransmitter level, it takes time for your brain chemistry to change to the point where it is getting a consistent supply of serotonin and other mood-enhancing chemicals.
This entire process may take 2-3 weeks to complete, with optimal effects being seen at 6 weeks. Some may even take 8 weeks or longer. How soon you see results depends on the severity of your symptoms of depression, mood swings, or anxiety. Your doctor will usually increase the dosage of medications gradually based on your bodys response to the medication.
Even if you start feeling much better, however, your doctor will not stop your treatment. Since mental disorders often come back, antidepressants need to be continued for at least 4-9 months. The duration also depends on whether symptoms change over time and how likely they are to return. Some people may need to use antidepressants for many years.
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How Is Gad Treated
First, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor should do an exam and ask you about your health history to make sure that an unrelated physical problem is not causing your symptoms. Your doctor may refer to you a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
GAD is generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Want To Beat Depression For Yourself Or A Friend
W. Nate Upshaw, MD
Dr. William Nathan Upshaw is the Medical Director of NeuroSpa TMS®. Since receiving training from the inventor of TMS Therapy nearly a decade ago, Dr. Upshaw has been a pioneer, champion and outspoken advocate of TMS Therapy. Dr. Upshaws holistic experience in the field has transformed him into Floridas leading advocate for widespread accessibility to TMS Therapy.
All anxiety medications come with a long list of potential side effects. The side effects of anxiety medications, also called anxiolytics, include sleepiness, fatigue, and a slowing of mental functioning. Depending on their class, these medications may also be habit-forming or even addictive. They can help level out panic attacks and reduce anxiety attacks to a manageable level. Some can produce lasting relief, while others shouldnt be used for more than a short-term period.
What Are Common Classes of Anxiety Medications?
If youre exploring how to find the right anxiety medication, its important to learn all you can about them. Physicians prescribe fast-acting anxiety medications to reduce either the immediate effects of an anxiety attack or to work over the long term to reduce day to day anxiety thats uncomfortable but doesnt rise to the urgency of a panic attack or anxiety attack. Some of the most common medications include Valium and Xanax.
Common Anti-Anxiety Medication Side Effects
Benzodiazepine side effects
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors Side Effects
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