Most Effective Drugs for Anxiety With Depression

Depression and anxiety have close ties in the mental health realm. For those suffering from both issues, there are a variety of medications to choose from that effectively treat both.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, represents a class of antidepressant drugs that balance the brain's norepinephrine and serotonin levels. Depression patients who are also experiencing anxiety are often prescribed drugs in this class, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft). Prozac is commonly recommended for patients with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and anxiety; Zoloft is similarly prescribed for these ailments, as well as social anxiety disorder. Side effects of both may include fatigue, nausea, appetite loss and weight loss.

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors

• Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, or NDRIs, encompass a drug class that balances the norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is the most well-known of drugs in this class, prescribed for depressive and anxiety patients. Side effects of Wellbutrin may include appetite suppression and weight loss.

Cyclic and Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Among the drug classes of cyclic and tricyclic antidepressants are amoxapine (Asendin), desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl); and amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Adapin) and Imipramine (Tofranil), respectively. Asendin, Norpramin and Aventyl are given to depressed and anxious patients in order to boost their norepinephrine and serotonin levels, returning these chemicals to normal balance. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, weight gain and erectile dysfunction in some patients. Elavil, Adapin and Tofranil are prescribed to patients with manic depression, anxiety and depression. They work by blocking the alpha-1 and histamine receptors in the brain, stopping the activation of norepinephrine, the stress hormone. Side effects include fatigue, insomnia, weight gain and constipation.