Medications, along with sessions of psychotherapy or other types of counselling, can relieve symptoms of depression.
The medications referred to below are commonly used to treat the noted conditions at some level. It should be noted that anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants have been linked to addiction, severe withdrawal, weight gain, vertigo and even suicide and death.
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline citalopram
Escitalopram
These work by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain.
Drugs similar to SSRIs include Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs):
Nefazodone
Trazodone
Venlafaxine.
and
Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors:
E.G. Bupropion.
Side effects of SSRIs include nausea, dizziness, or dry mouth, sexual-function side effects, impotence and menstrual changes.
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants
Amitriptyline
Desipramine
Nortriptyline
Protriptyline
Trimipramine
and a combination of Perphenazine and Amitriptyline.
They work by inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin.
Side effects can include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision and increased heart rate, ringing in the ears, muscular pains, gastric irritation, weight change, allergic skin reactions and jaundice, cardiovascular effects, hormonal effects and potential for dependence.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Phenelzine
Tranylcypromine.
They prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters by blocking monoamine oxidation.
Side effects include difficulty getting to sleep, dizziness, light-headedness and fainting, dry mouth, blurred vision and appetite changes, high blood pressure and changes in heart rate and rhythm, muscle twitching and feelings of restlessness, loss of sexual desire or ability, weight gain, negative interactions with other medications.
Lithium and mood-stabilizing medications
Lithium
Valproic acid
Divalproex
Carbamazepine.
Side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, trembling, increased thirst and need to urinate, weight gain, drowsiness, a metallic taste in the mouth, abnormalities of kidney function and abnormalities in thyroid function. These drugs may also increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
Benzodiazepines
Diazepam
Alprazolam
Lorazepam.
Prescribed to control physical symptoms such as shaking, palpitations and breathlessness. They try to make you less worried and more relaxed.
Side effects include sleepiness, memory problems and dizziness.
Venlafaxime is another type of anti-depressant that can help anxiety if an SSRI does not improve your symptoms.
Side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and sexual problems.
You will have your blood pressure monitored with this drug. back to overview
