Treating Anxiety & Depression
Having anxiety or depression can limit your capacity to participate in life. And battling both issues at the same time can feel incredibly overwhelming and exhausting.
You might feel extremely tired but find that you cant put down certain thought spirals or stop catastrophic thinking. Maybe you feel so exhausted and caught by the whole experience that you just have no idea what to do next.
Recognizing just how often these disorders co-occur urges us to consider tools and approaches that target them simultaneously, effectively helping with anxiety and depression at the same time.
When it comes to caring for your mental health, its crucial to recognize that you have choices.
These are a mix of professional treatments, lifestyle modifications, and self-management tools proven to help with depression and anxiety symptoms.
Should You Treat Your Depression With Medications
You might be asking your healthcare provider this question if you have been feeling low and your friends and family have mentioned this to you. Your provider might have mentioned medication if your mood interferes with work, family or socializing for more than two weeks. Some people with depression might even have legal troubles linked to outbursts.
The Best Antidepressants For Anxiety
There are different symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, exercise, and medications are all options that can benefit patients depending on their symptoms.
The combination of these three elements and the sequence in which they are required may differ from person to person.
When it comes to antidepressants, Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly used medication for anxiety disorders.
In this section, we will list our picks for the best anxiety medications. With the help of your healthcare provider, you can make the right decision about anxiety medication.
The best antidepressants for anxiety are:
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Final Thoughts About Marijuana And Mood Disorders:
Although some research shows the effectiveness of cannabis on the symptoms associated with mood disorders, none of what is written in this article should be taken as medical advice. You should always consult with a licensed professional before making any decisions regarding individualized treatment.
Only you and your physician can decide what is right for you. It is important to remember that the consumption of marijuana is the sole responsibility of the user, and discretion should always be taken.
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What Do Antidepressants Do
The medications relieve depression by causing the brains chemical neurotransmitters to become more active.
In treating depression and anxiety, the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are a critical part of the mix. The brain is a highly complex organ, so the exact reason these drugs work isnt entirely understood.
Most people who use these drugs often report relief from depression and anxiety symptoms. There is an even greater chance of success with these prescriptions when people use the second type of antidepressant if they do not find relief with the first one.
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Drug Interactions And Overdose
While benzodiazepines are relatively safe when taken only occasionally and in small doses, they can be dangerous and even deadly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining medications.
Dont drink on benzodiazepines. When mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines can lead to fatal overdose.
Dont mix with painkillers or sleeping pills. Taking benzodiazepines with prescription pain or sleeping pills can also lead to fatal overdose.
Antihistamines amplify their effects. Antihistaminesfound in many over-the-counter sleep, cold, and allergy medicinesare sedating on their own. Be cautious when mixing with benzodiazepines to avoid over-sedation.
Be cautious when combining with antidepressants. SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft can heighten benzodiazepine toxicity. You may need to adjust your dose accordingly.
Paradoxical effects of benzodiazepines
The benzodiazepines work because they slow down the nervous system. But sometimes, for reasons that arent well understood, they have the opposite effect. Paradoxical reactions are most common in children, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities. They include:
- Increased anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression, and rage
- Mania, impulsive behavior, and hallucinations
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. Taking these drugs doesnt cause significant side effects, even at higher dosages. They can help to alleviate mild to moderate depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs as theyre commonly referred to, target only serotonin. These antidepressants prevent serotonin from getting absorbed back into neurons.
Consequently, this increases the brains supply of available serotonin, enhancing a persons mood and outlook on life.
The effect of SSRIs on anxiety is often described as turning down the volume on anxious thoughts.
It may have similar or higher effects to practicing mindfulness and participating in psychotherapy.
Apart from reducing physiological symptoms of depression and anxiety , SSRIs may also reduce psychological symptoms.
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Olanzapine As Mood Stabilizer
Olanzapine is known to be one of the most famous antipsychotic as well as a mood stabilizer.
As long as it came out as antipsychotic by the FDA, psychiatrists started trying to figure its effects for mood stabilizing properties.
Now the FDA has also approved it as a mood stabilizer. It means that you can take this antipsychotic without any symptoms of psychosis at all.
The main reason to offer antipsychotic for mood stabilization is the fact that it has been found extremely effective in reducing the effects and symptoms of bipolar disorder.
It even may help antidepressants work in people who dont clearly have bipolar disorder.
Olanzapine for anxiety is unbelievably effective, and has rather fewer side effects than any other medicines.
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When To See A Doctor
Most people experience many moods in a single day. But if behavior is entirely unpredictable, people should consider seeing a doctor. For example, someone struggling with a mood disorder may experience episodes of being so excitable that impulse control is lacking. In these periods, a person may spend money uncontrollably, confront others, or engage in risky behavior. At other times, the same person may feel unable to get out of bed, go to work, or socialize.
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Ssri Antidepressants For Anxiety
Many medications originally approved for the treatment of depression are also prescribed for anxiety. In comparison to benzodiazepines, the risk for dependency and abuse is smaller. However, antidepressants take up to 4 to 6 weeks to begin relieving anxiety symptoms, so they cant be taken as needed. Their use is limited to chronic anxiety problems that require ongoing treatment.
The antidepressants most widely prescribed for anxiety are SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. SSRIs have been used to treat generalized anxiety disorder , obsessive-compulsive disorder , panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Common side effects of SSRIs include:
- Increased sweating
Are There Any Side Effects Of Taking An Ssri
Most side effects are mild and temporary. Your child may:
- have an upset stomach,
- notice changes to sleep ,
- feel unusually restless,
- have headaches, or
- have appetite changes.
In most cases, these side effects should decrease over time. If you have any other problems, or if these side effects become a problem, talk to your doctor.
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Can I Have Depression And Anxiety At The Same Time
Depression and anxiety are two different mental health disorders that are often comorbid. Meaning, they occur at the same time.
Depression is a mental disorder that is commonly identified with intense feelings of hopelessness, despair, worthlessness, and overwhelming sadness. More than 16% of Americans will experience depression at some point during their lifetime, according to theCleveland Clinic. While most people will experience feelings of sadness at some point, with depression, these feelings are prolongedlasting two weeks or moreand severe enough to impact daily life.
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, or fear that impacts everyday functioning. Without treatment, anxiety can get worse over time. There are a number of anxiety disorders, with their own set of unique symptoms.
About 2% of people in the U.S. have generalized anxiety disorder . According to Richard Shelton, MD, a psychiatrist and the vice chair of research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, GAD symptoms include persistent fear and worry that is often difficult to control. Other anxiety disorders include:
Depression and anxiety may share some of the same signs and symptoms, such as avoiding activities that were once previously enjoyed, headaches or changes in appetite, and exhaustion.
Alternative Treatments To Anxiety Drugs
As mentioned, however, no anxiety drug works perfectly. The truth is that all anxiety medications can cause harm, and none of them help you stop anxiety permanently. You always need to consider an alternative treatment first and absolutely need to make sure that you partner any anxiety medication with a long-term solution.
Alternative treatments include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Therapy is a completely safe and long-term treatment for anxiety, and can provide assistance for every type of anxiety disorder. Remember, not all medications work for all anxiety, but CBT techniques have been developed to permanently reduce any and all anxiety disorders and symptoms.
- Herbal Supplements Herbal supplements are another alternative to anxiety medications. They generally tend to be safe, have no withdrawal symptoms, and can be used as needed. But it must be noted that the most powerful herbal supplements can still have side effects or drug interactions, so before you take herbal supplements you should still talk to your doctor.
- Exercise Exercise is a very real, very effective solution for anxiety, and should be one of the first you try. Studies have shown that exercise can be as powerful or more powerful than some anxiety medications, and of course exercise is healthier for you than any other option available.
If you truly want to find relief from anxiety without medication – or even with medication – you need to base your treatment off of your symptoms.
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Anxiety And Seizures: Whats The Link
Can anxiety cause seizures? Possibly, in some cases. And seizures may lead to anxiety too. Well explore why and what you can do to manage both. Anxiety is a human response to stress, anticipation, or trauma. For some people, anxiety becomes overwhelming and disruptive in everyday life. Anxiety disorders
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Natural Mood Stabilizers: What Are Some Healthy Ways To Enhance Your Mood
Some people who suffer from depression prefer to look to natural mood stabilizers like St. Johns Wort or Rhodiola to help them manage symptoms. But before you try one yourself what should you know about these natural remedies? Which ones have been shown to help and which ones lack evidence of effectiveness? Can some of them have harmful side effects?
Natural remedies that can help improve your mood
St. Johns Wort. A 2008 Cochrane review of this herb found that it can work as effectively as some prescription antidepressants but with fewer side effects. However the review mentioned that there are a few factors to consider including varying levels of quality and strength as well as potential interactions with other drugs.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids like eicosapentaenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have been shown to reduce inflammation. Since inflammation is considered to be a partial underlying cause of depression and bipolar disorder these acids could be beneficial to many. Taking a fish oil supplement or eating fish thats high in Omega-3 like salmon can help increase fatty acid levels in the body.
SAMe. SAMe also known as S-Adenosyl-L-methionine has been studied scientifically as a treatment for depression. Several well-designed trials have shown that SAMe often works better than placebo or prescription antidepressants. It was also shown to help people who experienced depression but were resistant to typical antidepressants.
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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Antidepressants
Others may experience common side effects such as:
It takes about a week for most of the initial side effects to subside.
Contact your doctor if you experience side effects for a long time. You can ask your clinician for assistance in finding the right drug for you from among the many choices.
Save yourself from the side effects of an antidepressant Click below to schedule your appointment with a licensed professional.
The Best Antidepressants For Depression
Studies have proven that antidepressants can help to treat depression. However, some people react better to certain types than others.
There are a variety of antidepressants available to meet each patients unique needs and requirements, and it is often on a case-by-case basis when deciding which ones will work best for individual needs and circumstances.
Choosing the right one from the many medications available for depression can be difficult.
The following sections will discuss antidepressants that are considered the best for depression based on public and scientific researchthe list of pick-ups that will make understanding your doctors recommendations easier.
Also, keep in mind that depression medications arent restricted to these.
Also, different drugs have different effects, ranging from mild sleep disturbances to severe cramps and sexual dysfunction. In this case, your physician is likely to explore several antidepressants until they find one you are comfortable with.
How to Achieve the Best Results from an Antidepressant?
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Foods That Help Or Hurt Anxiety
There are several types of medications used to treat anxiety disorders.
Within each of these categories, there are subgroups of drugs that work differently and have their own benefits, risks, and possible side effects.
Theyre supereffective in treating anxiety disorders, says Beth Salcedo, MD, the medical director of the Ross Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders and a past board president of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Its not known exactly how SSRIs work on serotonin to alleviate anxiety, says Dr. Salcedo, but what is known is that theyre not addictive like benzodiazepines are .
Its important to follow your doctors instructions when taking any prescription drug. Talk to your doctor if youre concerned about the side effects of a medication, or if the drug youre taking doesn’t seem to be alleviating your symptoms.
Other antidepressants that may be prescribed for anxiety include:
- Wellbutrin, Zyban, Aplenzin, Budeprion, or Buproban
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Amitid, Amitril, Elavil, or Endep Aventyl, Pamelor or Tofranil
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Types Of Mood Stabilizing Medication
The oldest and most studied of mood stabilizers is lithium. However, many drugs that were first developed as anticonvulsants to treat epilepsy also act as mood stabilizers. These include carbamazepine, divalproex and lamotrigine. Gabapentin and topiramate are also anticonvulsants that may act as mood stabilizers, but they are usually given in addition to other medications.
Lithium
Lithium is found in nature in some mineral waters and is also present in small amounts in the human body.
Lithium is used to treat mania and to prevent further episodes of mania and depression.
Common side-effects of lithium include increased thirst and urination, nausea, weight gain and a fine trembling of the hands. Less common side-effects can include tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea, blurred vision, impaired memory, difficulty concentrating, skin changes and slight muscle weakness. These effects are generally mild and fade as treatment continues. If, however, any of these effects are severe, they should be reported to your doctor immediately. Thyroid and kidney function can be affected by lithium in some people and must be monitored regularly by your doctor.
Changing the amount of salt you use can also affect lithium levels: avoid switching to low- or no-salt diets.
Signs that the amount of lithium in the body is higher than it should be include severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, shaking and twitching, loss of balance, slurred speech, double vision and weakness.
Carbamazepine
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Is Bipolar Disorder Ever Considered Cured
This is not clear at this time. Although the condition responds to treatment in most cases, bipolar disorder is generally seen as a chronic disease that may come and go for many years.
Your child will need to follow the treatment plan outlined by her care team, and any changes should be carefully discussed among all members of her treatment team.
Depression: Definition & Cause
Before searching for an answer to what is the best mood stabilizer you have to find out what depression is. Various people question what depression is to identify what to anticipate if and when it arrives at them. Depression is a problematic subconscious sickness that influences multiple portions of the body, not just the brain. Depression is different for everyone, usually brought on by something stressful or just a general feeling of being unhappy. If you are sad all the time and it affects your entire life, you might have clinical depression, which is more severe. If you have any of these symptoms, dont be ashamed: these symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses such as bipolar disorder, clinical depression, alcoholism, or even seasonal affective disorder. Usually, these types of diseases need to be treated with medication and psychotherapy. However, if you have normal sadness that is not related to any other medical problem, you are likely depressed. If your sad mood lasts for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor to determine if it is caused by a physical problem or an emotional problem.
Symptoms of Depression
- The idea of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
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Treatment Options For Depression And Anxiety
If youre hesitant to take antidepressants for anxiety, there are plenty of different non-medical treatments for depression and anxiety. Most of the effective treatments for both depression and anxiety that dont involve medications are variations of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, Dr. Shelton says. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment that involves changing your way of thinking as well as your behavioral patterns. Some CBT approachesinclude behavioral activation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Dr. Plummer says that an alternative treatment that some patients with depression and anxiety find helpful is cannabidiol , a component of cannabis that doesnt create the high of typical marijuana use. Many state that CBD is shown to have positive effects for depression and anxiety, but too much cannabis may be associated with panic attacks, she advises. She also warns that this is not an FDA-approved treatment.
Some othernon-medical treatments may include the following lifestyle changes:
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